Kings vs. Rockets Preview: Taking Accountability For Lackluster Defensive Performances

Ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Kings, the Houston Rockets spent Tuesday afternoon taking accountability for their lackluster defensive performances.

HOUSTON — Coach Stephen Silas described the Houston Rockets' defensive efforts as unacceptable.

The Rockets dropped their 41st game of the season in a 140-120 loss to the Sacramento Kings Monday night inside the Toyota Center. And after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday night, Houston has given up 297 points in the previous two games.

The Rockets spent most of Tuesday's practice reviewing film of their horrific defense. Silas said his players took accountability for their play during the session and hopes for a better defensive outing in Wednesday's rematch against the Kings.

"We have to do a better job on defense," Jae'Sean Tate said. "The film did not lie. Our body language and posture — it was a wake-up call for us. The film shows that we have a lot of gears and levels that we can get to, and we are hoping to do that tonight."

The Rockets began the season showing signs of improvement on defense. They had held their opponents to an average of 115.5 points with a defensive rating of 114.8 through the first 27 games.   

But after falling to the Miami Heat on Dec. 15, Houston has given up an average of 120.4 points while posting a defensive rating of 120.5 in the last 27 games.

"This is the hardest part of the season," Tate said. "This is when teams have to come together or lay down. We are not going to be one of those teams that lay down. Coach Silas has emphasized that we are trying to win as many games as possible. And that starts with defense."

Rockets Injury Report:

• Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) OUT
• Garrison Mathews (left toe soreness) QUESTIONABLE

Sacramento Kings Injury Report:

• N/A

Three things to watch:

Slowing down the top-scoring team in the league for the final time:

The Kings are arguably the best-scoring team in the league. They are averaging a league-best 119.3 points this season and have dominated the Rockets with their scoring. In the three games played against the Kings, Sacramento scored an average of 138.0 points.

Not letting Keegan Murray have another great night:

Jabari Smith Jr. says he prides himself as the team's defensive anchor and took full responsibility for the Rockets' terrible defense. 

Smith acknowledged his energy wasn't there on the defensive end the previous two games. And he took inspiration from Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green by stating the former Defensive Player of the Year winner would have never taken a night off on defense.

The first step for Smith to improve his defensive play is to contain Keegan Murray. Murray had a monster performance against the Rockets. He scored a career-high 30 points while shooting 8-of-12 from 3-point range.

Murray's performance came one night after he tied his career-low two points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He had scored seven points on 1-of-16 shooting from deep over the previous three games.

De'Aaron Fox is Mr. Clutch:

If the Rockets find themselves in a close game entering the fourth quarter, the top priority should be containing De'Aaron Fox. Fox is in the midst of a career year averaging 24.1 points. But the Houston native has established himself as one of the best clutch players in the league.

He leads the league in total clutch points scored with 119. Fox has scored 10 or more points in the final frame in 16 games this season, ranking fifth in the NBA. On Jan. 3, Fox led the Kings to a 117-115 victory over the Utah Jazz. He scored a career-best 22 points in the fourth quarter.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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