2. Gibson and Butler are relentless on defense
Look, no one stopped the Rockets all year. They shot 46 percent and scored 112 points a game this season. If you threw the NBA All-Defense team at them, they’d still get their points.
The Timberwolves are going to have to hope for an off night or two and on top of that, do everything they can to at least make Houston work to score. The Rockets win by playing at a breakneck pace, taking advantage when teams give them an inch, getting to the rim and getting to the free throw line (where they shoot 78 percent). They absolutely kill opponents by burying open 3s when defenders don’t close out, by running the floor and beating teams back in transition and by abusing defenders who nonchalantly guard pick-and-rolls.
Jimmy Butler is a three-time All-Defense selection and Gibson, while he doesn’t have the accolades, is one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. They’ll both have to be on their A-games and they have to be leaders on defense, dictating the intensity and energy for their teammates to follow.
It can’t be a two man-effort. Top to bottom, Minnesota has to rebound on defense, get back in transition, close out on shooters and fully commit to defending the pick-and-roll instead of just showing at the top of the key, then getting beat with a lob over the top or giving up an open 3. And it all starts with Butler and Gibson.
They can do all of that and still see Houston put up 130, but playing absolutely relentless defense at least gives them a chance.