Why the Houston Rockets would be a strong match up against the New York Knicks
The Houston Rockets were eliminated early in the playoffs, but if they were currently in the NBA Finals agains the New York Knicks, they would pose a serious threat for the championship, as long as they have a healthy Kevin Durant. Durant suffered sprained ankle on April 21st, meaning that he would be recovered from it by this point.
With the Rockets’ current lack of roster depth, they would undeniably need Durant to have any chance of beating the Knicks. Houston wrapped up their year with a horrific performance in the first round of the play-offs, ultimately losing 4-2 against a Los Angeles Lakers team without their superstar Luca Doncic. Durant was injured for the series matchup, and the disappointing exit magnified the depth problem and how crucial Durant has been to the team’s overall offensive success.
The Rockets faced the Knicks only twice during the season, splitting the games 1-1. Even with the Knicks impressive wing depth and versatility, Durant was still able to pull off dominant performances in both matches. In the 106-108 defeat in New York on February 21, Durant posted 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. He then went for 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists in the 111-94 home victory on March 31.
Durant was not the only reason for the Rockets’ strong performances against the Knicks. Houston's length and athleticism showcased the team’s defensive versatility. Both Amen Thompson and Tari Eason shined, matched up with the Knicks’ star Jalen Brunson.
Brunson averaged 26.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.4 turnovers per game during the season. However, Brunson put up 20 points, 6 assists, and 3 turnovers in the Knicks’ victory back in February, and he was held to a measly 12 points, to go along with 8 assists and 3 turnovers in the Rockets’ victory in March. In all three categories, Brunson’s stats were worse than his season averages, proving the effectiveness of Thompson’s and Eason’s defensive efforts.
The Rockets’ paint dominance would also likely give them an edge over the Knicks. Houston finished the regular season as the best rebounding team in the entire NBA, averaging 48.1 rebounds per game, while the Knicks finished with 45.1 In the two regular season match-up combined, the Rockets tallied 82 rebounds, while the Knicks were held to 70 rebounds.
Behind a healthy Durant, elite rebounding, and one of the league's best defenses, would they be able to contain Brunson and defeat the Knicks in a 7 game series?
