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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka pointed to defensive intensity and ball pressure after his team’s 115-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the Western Conference playoff series on Sunday night at Toyota Center.
Udoka highlighted the early tone set by Houston’s defense, noting the opponent’s slow start scoring-wise. “I think our aggressiveness was on display from the start,” Udoka said. “First time holding them outside of 30-point first quarter. So, much better effort there.”
He emphasized disruption as the defining factor of the night. “Defensive intensity across the board. I loved our ball pressure. Forcing 24 turnovers for 30 points and 17 of those being steals. So, our activity was great and that’s made the difference from the start.”
Houston’s 17 steals set a franchise playoff record, fueling transition opportunities and limiting the Lakers’ half-court organization throughout the game.
Udoka also praised the perimeter defensive assignments against key Los Angeles creators, including Marcus Smart and LeBron James. “Yeah, they were great there,” he said. “Was great a little bit of everybody doing their job a lot of switching.”
He added that scheme execution helped dictate shot selection. “The focus was better sending guys where we wanted to, making the ball find other guys,” Udoka said. “When you got Ayton and Hachimura shooting the most shots, I think you’re doing a good job with that.”
Houston also leaned into switching coverages, including small-ball looks that increased defensive pressure. “The switching was good for us… we went to more one through five switching and was doing a good job there,” Udoka said. “Everybody that came in contributed defensive intensity… and that’s the result you get holding them under 100.”
The Rockets held the Lakers below 100 points while limiting perimeter efficiency, as Los Angeles finished with just five made three-pointers and 23 turnovers overall.
Udoka addressed the emotional response after a previous late-game collapse, stressing the importance of response and focus. “We didn’t want to let that last 30 seconds defeat us in another game and we kind of put that behind us,” he said.
He also referenced offensive balance when defensive execution is present. “When you shoot it like we did tonight at 48 clip and play defense like that, you’re in good shape,” Udoka said.
Tari Eason’s disruptive defense drew specific praise, particularly in his role against LeBron James. “His activity is great… pushing the catches out, being solid and making them score through them and over them instead of getting by him,” Udoka said.
Udoka also acknowledged Eason’s unpredictable defensive style. “He just kind of goes rogue at times and you got to turn a blind eye to it a little bit,” he said. “He’s a playmaker, a disruptor, and you’re going to get burnt every now and then, but more often than not, he’ll make the right play.”
The Rockets now shift focus to Game 5 in Los Angeles with the series continuing after Houston avoided elimination with the dominant win.
