NBA 2018-19: 3 talking points from Houston Rockets' win over Portland Trail Blazers

#3 The Rockets were the better defensive unit overall

James Harden & Clint Capella

Although the Rockets are totally reliant on the trio of Paul, Harden and Capela this season to take the offensive load and outscore the opponents, Nene and PJ Tucker offer a defensive toughness that was desperately needed of them in the wake of their best defender, Trevor Ariza, being traded.

For this game in particular, the Rockets forced Portland into committing 14 turnovers. They piled up 22 fast break points made possible by 9 steals collectively and 5 blocks.

“I thought Houston played pretty aggressive defense on us,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. “We took some possessions for granted and some turnovers led to their transition. Obviously, their bench came in and hand an impact on the game. . They just outplayed us in the second half.”

Although Houston committed 21 fouls in the process, it was their late offense that came to their rescue. They are 26th (out of 30) in terms of their defensive rating in the league, but if they can pull out some defensive keynotes from this matchup, that just might improve.