Adjust pick-and-roll coverage
The Houston Rockets had an incredible offensive outing in Game 1 of this series thanks largely to how effective they were at running the pick-and-roll. Or perhaps, more accurately put, because of how poorly Utah defended it for much of the contest.
On several occasions, the Jazz would overplay either the ball-handler or the roll man. Either way, it led to several easy baskets for the Rockets, some in the paint and others from deep. Clint Capela was exceptional at taking advantage of poor Jazz switches as he finished with 16 points, while P.J. Tucker was able to knock down some open threes and finished with 15.
Meanwhile, Chris Paul was effective as the ball handler on several occasions as he found himself with easy shots, particularly from deep where he finished shooting 50 percent for the contest.
James Harden was absolutely sensational as he put up 41 points, but in Utah’s defense, many of those came in isolation where he can be almost impossible to stop. Still, due to poor execution defending the pick-and-roll, the Rockets were able to get far too many easy looks overall.
Sometimes, you don't want to switch, but Harden makes you wish you had switched. pic.twitter.com/hJHT90qqXU
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) April 30, 2018
The Rockets are certainly going to find ways to score, but if the Jazz can take as many of those methods away as possible, beginning with the pick-and-roll, they should be in much better shape. The Jazz need to do a better job of communicating on defense, making the right decisions in terms of switching, going over the top of the screen, etc. in order to slow Houston’s attack.
With guys like Harden and Paul, the Rockets are exceptional at creating their own shots and converting on them even when they’re difficult. However, if Utah can take away easy baskets, many of which in Game 1 were created off the pick-and-roll, and focus on making Houston work for every single shot they take, forcing them into difficult looks, they’ll likely significantly limit their offensive efficiency.
And against a team with as much firepower as Houston, that’s about the best you can hope to do – fluster them into tough shots and hope it leads to an off shooting night.