The Houston Rockets took a huge step forward last season, partially in part to their defense. The team could always score the ball, but last year’s defense was something we haven’t seen from a Rockets team in a little while.
A large factor in that was the help of the defensive coach and specialist Jeff Bzdelik. Bzdelik was a huge part of the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies in recent years and came over to the Rockets before the start of the 2016-17 season to help out offensive mastermind Mike D’Antoni.
In his first year with the team, the defense didn’t really improve a ton, but there was still a noticeable difference at times.