Rebounding has been key to Rockets' latest wins

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Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni called out his players when the Rockets were outrebounded in consecutive games against the Timberwolves and Pacers late last month. There were good reasons for him to consider improving the Rockets' work on the boards so vital.

The Rockets have won four games since, winning the battle on the boards in three of those wins. They have lost twice, getting outrebounded in both losses. In the past two games, both wins, they have outrebounded the Bulls and Cavaliers by an average of 53-43.5.

"Extremely important," Rockets guard James Harden said. "It was key for us to make sure we block them off and gang rebound. Even Lou (Williams) got six rebounds. That was one of the big keys going into the game."

The Rockets outrebounded the Cavaliers, 31-17, in the second half on Sunday. They are 28-5 when outrebounding opponents and 12-1 when getting at least 10 more rebounds than their opponents.