More dominant defense -- Boston vs. Houston

Post #1 » by **miller31time** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:29 am

Who will have the better defense (in terms of efficiency, not points allowed per game) next season? The defending champs -- The Boston Celtics? Or the new-look Rockets?

Last season, these two teams were 1 (Boston) and 2 (Houston) defensively. Boston allowed 100.2 points per 100 possessions. Houston allowed 103.0 points per 100 possessions (though McGrady and Yao both missed significant time and Battier was hurt for a long stretch as well).

Who ya' got?

Secret Lover14 · Post #2 » by **Secret Lover14** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:38 am

With Boston losing Posey and Houston gaining Artest, i would say houston

JordansBulls · Post #3 » by **JordansBulls** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:27 am

Well I predict these are the 2 teams in the finals this upcoming season.

Baller 24 · Post #4 » by **Baller 24** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:29 am

I'd have to go with the Rockets. Especially with the fact that the Rockets kept Battier, that is just icing on the cake. McGrady-Battier-Artest-Scola-Yao can easily close out the 4th quarter, and that really wouldn't be pretty to watch if your the opposing team. Because if you put Battier and Artest on the court at the same time, the Rockets single handedly have the best perimeter defense and the league, an IMO by a large margin. I think everyone saw what Battier did to Kobe this past season in the 22 games winning streak, it wasn't pretty at all. Now both players have the room to rotate and guard which every player they feel more comfortable with. Battier-Artest is just too good to pass up especially when they are on the court at the same time.

Not to mention the Rockets team defense has remained steady and high since the 2003 NBA season.

Ballings7 · Post #5 » by **Ballings7** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:41 am

Rockets... you have their team defense, then individually... Yao/Landry/Hayes/Dorsey (at least later on)/Ron/Battier/T-Mac/Alston/Head/Deke.

Going to be tremendous.

Baller 24 wrote:I think everyone saw what Battier did to Kobe this past season in the 22 games winning streak, it wasn't pretty at all.

No doubt it was impressive by Battier (and the Rockets team defense behind him, without that, it's a more mixed situation for each side), but it was also without Gasol and Bynum around to provide offensive attention.

Loose Cannon · Post #6 » by **Loose Cannon** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:00 am

Houston gets the edge especially if Mt. Mutombo decides to return.

bballcool34 · Post #7 » by **bballcool34** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:05 am

[quote="Baller 24"] McGrady-Battier-Artest-Scola-Yao can easily close out the 4th quarter\/quote]

I'm curious about this- can McGrady, at this point, guard point guards effectively for the most part?

Post #8 » by **Young_Star11** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:41 am

He can't chase quicker guards (eg Parker) around, but for certain situations, he can man up the opposition PG. For example, last possession plays or when the Rox need a stop.

Post #9 » by **TMACFORMVP** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 5:05 pm

I'm curious about this- can McGrady, at this point, guard point guards effectively for the most part?

I'd expect if we were to run that lineup, either Battier or Artest would be the one guarding the PG's. That's what I like besides the fact that he gives us a third option, the versatility not only on offense but on defense he gives us is a completely different look and weapon on that end of the floor.

drza · Post #10 » by **drza** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:23 am

The Rockets have the more impressive wing defenders and a good scheme. With that said, the Celtics have the best defensive anchor in the league, the better defensive center (assuming Mount Mutombo isn't getting starters minutes), and one of the best defensive pressure point guards in the league. I think the balance of the Celtics defense, built around KG, should be better even with the ridiculousness of an Artest/Battier two-some.

Rasheeed!!! · Post #11 » by **Rasheeed!!!** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:50 am

Health willing Houston should be the better defensive team.

AgEnT50 · Post #12 » by **AgEnT50** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:57 am

Secret Lover14 wrote:With Boston losing Posey and Houston gaining Artest, i would say houston

My thoughts exactly. . .