3 reasons to be optimistic about the Rockets this season

1. The Houston Rockets 3-point defense

The Rockets have long been known for a team that breaks records in 3-point attempts and makes every year. This year, though their attempts beyond the arc are down, while they are also limiting opposing teams from beyond the 3-point line.

The Rockets are third in opposing teams’ percentage of points from deep. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the Rockets are fourth in 3-point makes allowed per game and eighth in 3-point percentage allowed.

Those categories are the foundation for a team that can become an excellent defensive team. This is also proof that the Rockets have the potential to be a much better team than last year’s version if they can get healthy and remain healthy.

The Rockets have made it a point to run teams off the 3-point line and force them into mid-range shots.

Granted, 6-9 is not where the Rockets wanted to be after 15 games. There is no doubt about that. If you take a deeper look at some of the statistics though, this team is actually better than its record suggests.

Furthermore, you can see the makings of a good to excellent team if, of course, they can stay healthy and have time to build chemistry throughout the year.