Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel stated that the team’s third superstar is its “elite” defense.
The team restrained the Houston Rockets to 43.1 percent shooting from the field during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series which was held on Thursday. Furthermore, the team held James Harden, who is the Rockets All-Star guide, to 2-of-11 shooting in securing a 110-100 win and a 3-1 series lead.
Frank Vogel notes the team’s defense compensates for the lack of a third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Vogel commented on his team’s ability to get stops being “as powerful as a superstar” and added that “an elite defense can be your third star if you have one, so to speak.”
Harden still concluded the game with 21 points by making 16 of his 20 free throw attempts, so Vogel admitted there is still room for improvement by his team.
The Lakers coach made a statement about being happy with what their team was doing on the defensive end.
James recalled how challenging it is for the Lakers to defend against Harden.