In the past two games, the Rockets have played contenders with a center as its most-prolific 3-point shooter to a center as its most-productive passer.
Brook Lopez's average of 2.4 3s per game leads the Bucks and Nikola Jokic's 7.5 assists lead the Nuggets. Though both lead their position in those categories, making them unusual, their success in areas outside the traditional roles of 7-footers does fit in the NBA trend toward position-less basketball.
"It definitely put a strain on your defense," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said. 'You have to be ready for all kinds of big guys out, little guys inside sometimes.