Rockets defense disappears in loss to Warriors

Posted: December 31, 2015 -- 11:15 pm.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets' defense was carved up like a holiday ham Thursday night. The Golden State Warriors tallied 35 assists on 43 buckets and scored 114 points in a 114-110 victory over the Rockets.

"Their (the Warriors') system, along with their talent, won that game," said J.B. Bickerstaff, Rockets' interim head coach, after the game.

"You make one mistake; and, they make you pay," Bickerstaff added.

The Rockets (16-18) turned over the ball 15 times; and, the Warriors scored 25 points off the miscues.

One hundred fourteen points. And, Steph Curry did not play. Nor did Harrison Barnes, Leandro Barbosa nor Festus Ezeli.

One hundred fourteen points.

The Warriors had 22 made field goals in the first half -- 20 came from assists.

"Their big men are really good passers; so, the court is always spaced," James Harden said. "And, they've got room to cut. They've got room to move. They're going to get the backdoor layups and get the open threes."

Trevor Ariza provided his thoughts on the Rockets' defense when teams cut to the basket: "We work on it. We practice it. And, when we get in the game, we act like we forget what we practiced or worked on -- myself included. I fall asleep sometimes; and, that's something I can't do. I take responsibility for that; and, I have to get better."

Draymond Green had 12 of the 20 assists. Green finished the game with his 5th triple-double: 10 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists.

Klay Thompson scored a game-high 38 points. Thompson scored 17 points in the first quarter -- most of the points came after he picked up his 2nd foul in the opening few minutes of the game.

James Harden scored a team-high 30 points; but, Harden made only 8 of 19 field goal attempts in the game. Dwight Howard scored 21 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished 5 assists.

The Warriors outscored the Rockets 48-34 in the paint. The Rockets made less than half (17 of 37) of their field goal attempts in the paint.

"We were 17 for 37 in the paint," Bickerstaff lamented. "The guys that are missing on these (shots) are frustrated, too. Those are shots that these guys normally make. So, it's not just about James - who is going to continue to make those plays. It's what he does. His teammates will make those shots. We'll just continue to make the right basketball play; and, our guys will finish those."

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