NBA: 10 Thoughts As The Stretch Run Begins

Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 122-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 122-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Could The Rockets Outscore The Warriors In The Playoffs? 

I am sure you all saw Daryl Morey’s recent comments that the Rockets only way to beat the Warriors is to out score them. They would out score them with an insane three-point barrage. So can they actually do this? Well it’s the only way they have a chance, because there is no way they are slowing the Warriors down.

The Rockets have already done it once this year, winning a shootout in Golden State earlier this season. In the playoffs defense will be tighter, pace will slow and things will get harder. That being said, the Rockets offense is legit, and they will get theirs, but I’m not sure they can do it four times against Golden State.

The Rockets offense is really good, but the Warriors is still the best in the NBA. The Rockets would first have to get through the Spurs for this match up to even happen. If they do, I think they will push Golden State, but eventually lose in six. They simply are not good enough defensively to win this series.