3 Stereotypes the Houston Rockets just shattered about them

With an all-out effort to take a 2-0 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets shattered all past perceptions of them in 48 minutes.

When it comes to the Houston Rockets, we’ve heard it all before. From calling them gimmicky to playoff chokers, fans have had to defend the team from all kinds of slander over the years. So far in the postseason, though, the Rockets are dispelling a lot of negative stereotypes about their style of play.

Despite being down by one superstar in Russell Westbrook, the Rockets have started their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder with two emphatic wins highlighted by excellent defense and a total team effort on both sides of the ball.

In Thursday’s 111-98 victory, seven of the eight players that suited up for the Rockets scored in double figures (Ben McLemore finished with six). On top of that, everyone looked as engaged as Houston has looked on the defensive end since the days of 2018, and it’s being noticed.

“This is the best defense I’ve seen the Rockets play in a long, long time,” said Mark Jackson during ESPN’s broadcast. Moments later, Robert Covington stole the ball to head the other way.

Since the acquisition of Covington and full commitment to micro ball, the Rockets have looked like an ultra version of themselves, making the strategy shift look like a genius move so far. In the process, Houston has begun to erase some of the criticisms that have been surrounding them for years.

Next: No. 1 & 2