Much of the fanfare surrounding the Rockets’ recent 8-1 stretch has focused on James Harden’s scorching 39 points-per-game, but arguably the main reason the Rockets have turned things around is their increased emphasis on rebounding.
In the past nine games, the Rockets have outrebounded their opponent in all but one, with the lone exception being their nail-biter loss in Miami where they were beaten on the boards 61-41. Considering the Rockets’ are 13-3 in games this season where they win the rebounding battle, it’s fair to say their play mirrors the glass.
This season, the Rockets have surrendered seven more second-chance points in losses than they have in wins.