Are the Rockets Better than the Spurs?

3) Philosophy:

• Chris Paul will undoubtedly boost the Rockets on the offensive end, making things easier for the team to score. Last year the Rockets were a team that depended heavily on long three-pointers and this philosophy cost them in the playoffs against the Spurs. Harden and company fell flat and the Spurs took advantage. Still, it remains to be seen if Paul can change the “long-ball” mindset in the locker room. The Spurs on the other hand (for now) seem more complete offensively and can score easier in the game.

2) Size:

• The Spurs have a size advantage on the Rockets, Chris Paul doesn’t help with that conundrum. Offensive rebounding is something that the Spurs could look to exploit if Popovich allows them to do so. The Spurs aren’t the best offensive rebounding team because they prioritize getting back on defense. The Spurs’ size wore the Rockets down in the playoffs--many times James Harden found himself guarding power forwards in the painted area. 

1) Defense:

• The Rockets have Chris Paul on the team and that will amplify the offense, but did the Rockets really need help offensively? Defense was what won the series for the Spurs last year, they were able to neutralize James Harden when it counted. Not sure that the Rockets are capable of doing that to Kawhi Leonard and that is the major difference.