Here’s the Houston Chronicle reporting on the Rockets, who are off to a disappointing 4-4 start:
Last season, the Rockets were the NBA’s sixth-rated defensive team, allowing 100.5 points per 100 possessions and were considerably better when Dwight Howard played.
Through eight games this season, they rank 27th, allowing six more points per 100 possessions with opponents making 47.1 percent of their shots, the third-worst field goal percentage defense in the league.
The problem, they said, was made clear when the low-scoring and previously winless Nets burned them for 106 points on Wednesday.
“Effort and rebounding,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said of the primary issues. “We have not been very good defensively.”
