3 Lessons the Houston Rockets can learn from this year's playoffs

2. Size is in

We mentioned the "continued success" of the Nuggets. Perhaps we were being generous. Currently, the defending champions are down 0-2 to the Timberwolves.

Did you have faith in the Wolves when they acquired Rudy Gobert? Congratulations - you're either a genius, or you're a liar. In this age of versatile wing defenders, moving Karl-Anthony Towns to the 4 was supposed to limit their mobility.

Instead, the Wolves are succeeding by playing bully ball. With Jaden McDaniels at the 3, the Wolves have had a smothering defense all year long - and it's carried into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Thunder all lean big, and they all advanced to the second round.

Does that mean that the Rockets should slide Alperen Sengun to the 4 and add a starting caliber big? We're not sure, but it could be worth experimenting with. At the moment, it looks like the small ball era is over.