VIDEO: Rockets Are So Tiny That James Harden Took Opening Tip vs JaVale McGee and Lakers
The Houston Rockets got even smaller after trading away Clint Capela. The team is all about scoring as many points as possible and that means having smaller shooters on the floor at all times. That plan created a wild moment at the start of Thursday night's game in which James Harden took the opening tip against JaVale McGee of the Los Angeles Lakers.
James Harden really took the opening tip against JaVale ? pic.twitter.com/PqANrg7Ei0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 7, 2020
The Rockets essentially conceded the tip, but it did represent the lack of size on the Houston roster. Being accurate from distance is the apparent goal to counter the lack of big men in the lineup.
Lot of talk regarding the Rockets lack of size, but they trail 29-28 after the first quarter.
— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) February 7, 2020
The Rockets have been lethal from downtown tonight, as they shot 45.5% from deep.
P.J. Tucker, who is 6-5, is the team's "center" after the trade deadline. The Rockets are essentially taking on an experiment and hoping they can just outscore teams and not have to worry about frontcourt size.
This plan could work, or the results could mirror the opening tip of Harden going up against McGee in an obvious losing effort.