NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Spurs vs. Rockets matchup

4. The battle of the free-throw line

When the casual fan thinks of Houston’s offense, they think of high pick-and-roll, with either Harden driving and getting fouled or kicking out to a 3-point shooter. A major key in this series will be whether San Antonio can control the number of free throws that Houston attempts.

During the regular season, the Rockets led the NBA in free throws attempted and made, at 26.5 and 20.3, respectively. On the flip-side, San Antonio was middle of the pack when it came to free throws, averaging 24.0 attempts per game.

The Rockets’ superstar is the driving force, as he nearly goes to the free-throw line 11 times every game. Since “The Beard” shoots nearly 85 percent from the stripe, a large part of his scoring is from here. It’s frustrating as an opposing fan to watch Harden drive down the lane and flail his arms, as the referee blows the whistle for a foul.

But, during the four games played between the Spurs and the Rockets during the regular season, the Spurs were able to attempt more free throws than the Rockets in three of them. In those four games, the Rockets’ free throws attempted per game dropped from nearly 27 to just 21.8, while the Spurs’ average increased from 24 to 25.5.

Like it or not, the referees will undoubtedly have a huge impact on this series. If Harden and the Rockets can have their way and get to the free-throw line, they can cause a lot of damage. On the other hand, if the Spurs can play defense without having to foul, it will certainly limit the Rockets’ scoring offense.