Fred VanVleet Reveals Reasoning for Rockets' Defensive Collapse vs. Clippers

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Over the course of their disheartening loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets experienced a significant breakdown in their defensive performance.  

It is HOUSTON: On Wednesday evening, the Houston Rockets were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers by a score of 122-116, which was a very disappointing result.   

It was after the Rockets had given up a 20-point lead that they were defeated. More crucially, however, Houston's defence was completely ineffective throughout the second half of the game. 

The Clippers scored 78 points on 67.5 percent shooting from the field and 61.5 percent from behind the arc against the Rockets. Paul George scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half as the Clippers rallied.  

For the Rockets' defensive collapse, Fred VanVleet blamed the Clippers' one-on-one output from future Hall of Famers like Kawhi Leonard, who scored 16 of his 28 points in the final two periods.  

"We increased our pressure slightly, resulting in them successfully executing the short roll and swing swings," VanVleet stated.   

The team made modifications, but ultimately reached the final three to four minutes and had an opportunity to emerge victorious. However, their execution was insufficient to overcome the opposing squad.   

When Houston was in charge, the Rockets had what was likely their best start to the season. Los Angeles was only able to shoot 37.5% of the time, and 11 of their first 13 tries from behind the arc missed.  

VanVleet said the Rockets started well on both ends. Houston was close to their biggest win of the season as they tried to qualify for the Play-In Tournaments.  

Rockets' triumph versus Clippers peaked with five minutes left in the second quarter. Houston led the Clippers 50-30. George and Leonard had eight points on 4/10 shooting, 0/4 from behind the arc.   

“We guarded pretty well one-on-one,” VanVleet added. In the second half, they improved one-on-one and started moving the ball. A game of runs and ups and downs, but not good enough to finish."  

The Rockets fell to 27-35 after losing to the Clippers in the second half. The 12th seed Houston sits seven games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the 10th and final Play-In Tournament position.  

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