Josh Smith, Rockets thrilled with how things worked out

HOUSTON — There wasn’t a long conversation between Josh Smith and Kevin McHale when the Rockets’ coach decided to move the forward into the starting lineup a few games into the Western Conference semifinals.

McHale told Smith he was starting, to play good defense and help the offense move the ball. Smith said he would, and that was it.

Smith and McHale don’t have to have long conversations — the two are on exactly the same page. They think about winning basketball games and how they can make that happen and don’t spend time worrying about much else.

The two have been in sync since Smith joined the Rockets in late December, and every time Smith has contributed in a positive way, McHale can’t…