HOUSTON -- Nearly lost amid the cliched responses Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul uses to deflect the usual array of mundane questions was one nugget that perfectly encapsulates the Western Conference Finals.
It is a ballyhooed matchup featuring the two most efficient offenses in the NBA but defense will play an important role in deciding the series.
The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors present a cavalcade of All-Star performers.
On hand are Splash Brothers and point guards with Hall of Fame credentials sharing a backcourt; an MVP and Sixth Man of the Year; a versatilely skilled forward and a burgeoning big primed for a pay raise.