With All-NBA performers LeBron James and Anthony Davis as their anchors last season, the Los Angeles Lakers were frequently identified as an offensive force en route to the NBA title.
But when the Lakers were at their very best, it was their defense that provided the foundation for their greatest success. An urgency to revisit their defensive might was central to the Lakers' 120-102 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, the first of consecutive games at Toyota Center.
The Rockets will host the Lakers again on Tuesday.
The Lakers limited the Rockets to 41.1 percent shooting, forced Houston into a season-high 21 turnovers and amassed 13 steals with eight blocked shots.