LAKE CHARLES, La. - Though the Rockets lost several of their better defensive players from last season's team, Rockets forward P.J. Tucker argued that it will not be a challenge to match last season's success. More than that, he said last season's play would lead to what he expects this season.
The Rockets had the sixth-rated defense in the NBA last season, ranking third from when Tucker moved into the starting lineup Feb. 6.
"I don't think it's a challenge," Tucker said. "I think guys come in and do what we ask. We set the foundation after seeing it and playing against it and trying to figure out what we do, it's just getting used to it, our brand of defense, the way we play, our coverages and our communication.