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

2. The efficiency of the long ball

As important as the free thow shooting is to this series, the efficiency from 3-point distance is absolutely critical. Under Mike D’Antoni, the Rockets have blossomed as an offense, as they attempted and made the most 3-pointers in the NBA.

The Rockets are taking nearly 40 3-pointers every game and connecting on about 14 of them. Four of their five starters can consistently drill 3s, while Lou Williams and Eric Gordon off the bench continue to bring the same threat. The Spurs on the other hand, have the best 3-point percentage in the league, but only average 23.5 attempts per game.

Oddly, in the season series between the Spurs and Rockets, Houston was terrible, only shooting 29 percent from long distance. San Antonio was able to connect on 38 percent of their 3-point attempts, which was about their season average.

Defensively, the Spurs are fifth in opponents’ 3-point shooting, so if that pattern continues in this series, it could be difficult for Houston to score in volume. Gregg Popovich and the Spurs will look to take away the long ball and free throws from the Rockets’ arsenal.

If the Spurs can be efficient shooting and defending 3-pointers, the Rockets might have a difficult time trying to put up a lot of points in this series. It will be critical for Houston to shoot the ball better from beyond the arc than they did in the regular season against San Antonio.