Though Michael Carter-Williams had struggled badly with his shot in the first three games, he was moved into the starting lineup against the Jazz with James Ennis III out with a strained hamstring to bolster the Rockets' play on the other end.
"He's a defensive player," D'Antoni said. "That helps us defensively. That's one of the main reasons. We want somebody out there that can guard and go and push the pace. We have to still keep our pace up."
There was a hope that playing with Eric Gordon and James Harden could take off some pressure offensively, but improved defense could also benefit Carter-Williams in the open court.