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HOUSTON – Houston Rockets coach Mike D Antoni found himself in a mischievous mood after his team carried their best-ever NBA victory streak to nine games on Monday with a win 118-106 on the Charlotte Hornets behind a 28-point night by James Harden.
So when the focus was on Wednesday's clash against the Golden State Warriors, D'Antoni did not waste a lot of time delivering a zinger.
When asked what he thought of the Warriors' guard, Stephen Curry, mentioning that Oakland had "the opportunity to send a statement" against the Rockets after his defeat on Sunday at 115 -111 against the Phoenix Suns, D'Antoni did not hesitate.
"Yes, well, they probably should have said it before the game," said Antoni laughing. "I'm sure they are, why would not they?" I'd be surprised they did not feel like that, they were going to make a statement, they were going out, they were going to play. Probably tell the truth.If they said nothing, I'm sure they think about it.You know how is going today.Everyone has something to I have something to say. "
But if anyone was looking for display material before the Wednesday clashes at the Toyota Center, they would certainly not have found it in the Rockets locker room after Monday's win against the Hornets.
Golden State have lost six of their last 10 outings and have not won consecutive victories for almost a month, while the Rockets recorded a 31-11 record dating back to December after starting the season with a record of 11-14.
Houston is also enjoying a certain boost in defense, having limited its opponents to 97.8 points on average in the last five games, after giving 110 points or more to each of the previous six outings. The Rockets have also limited their opponents to less than 45% of their shots in four consecutive games, allowing a record to go up last season from 44-9 while they held their opponents to less than 45%.
Harden quickly pointed out "our defense" when asked what was the most positive aspect of the team's winning streak.
"We were guards, and it helps us in an offensive way during the transition and get easy points," he said.
What proved difficult, however, was to have Harden play in the hype surrounding the game against the Warriors.
Houston holds a record this season 3-0 against Golden State.
"I do not know how they feel," Harden said. "Anything that worries me, that's what's in this locker room."
Postmaster Chris Paul also avoided the hype about the Warriors.
"I do not know, we are trying to accumulate victories," he said. "Everyone is going to say that it's a big game or they're going to say it's not, no matter, it really does not mean anything before the playoffs." If we beat them three times in the regular season no one will remember more than one month. "
Asked about Curry's remarks about the Warriors' feeling about the Rockets, Paul again refused to bite.
"A good title," said Paul. "Win or lose, it's a game. They do not trip. I mean, they probably will not."
What is undeniable is that Houston sees in the Western Conference the way to go, even if it is difficult. Houston is currently 3.5 games from first place in the Western Conference standings with 15 games to play.
"With all that we've experienced, all the ups and downs, from 11-14 or after, we're in a good position and we still have a chance to legitimize our luck for first place," D & # 39; Antoni said. "It's pretty good every year, no matter the scenario, even though we were healthy all year, especially with teams like Denver, with their way of playing, and Golden State." That's not to say that we will do it because we are in a hole We have to have help But we just have to be sure to do our part If it means that our share is third, so be it, or fourth so be it, but if we get a little help, then we have a chance. "
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