The Houston defense is coming for the Warriors. Emboldened. Aggressive. They are living in the jerseys of the Warriors.



The denial, overplay defense has long been a version of kryptonite for the Warriors’ pass-happy, ball-movement offense. Their rhythm is thrown off by physicality. Their rote passes and predictable routes are ripe for intercepting. Normally, the answer to that is to cut backdoor or set screens and move some more.



Problem with that: the Rockets are pressuring the ball handlers and the time waiting for a play to develop is under duress. The Warriors don’t have too many guys who can handle that. Andre Iguodala is one, but he was out for Game 4. Draymond Green is another, but they are putting Chris Paul on him, and creating a play against Paul is a tall order for even Green. Shaun Livingston can, but the Warriors don’t really use him in that way.



The Warriors offense takes time, patience, precision. The Rockets have gotten good...