After first round of the playoffs last season, the Rockets left Portland knowing that they had to become a better defensive team.
Assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff took on the task, and the changes he has implemented have been a smashing success early this season.
The Rockets are second in the league in points allowed per 100 possessions, third in field-goal percentage defense and third in points allowed per game, helping them to a 16-4 record that is the second-best start in the league.