Mike D'Antoni on 'Noise' Around Rockets: 'Have You Watched Us for 82 Games?'

Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni downplayed criticism following the team's 119-106 loss to the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday.

Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated provided D'Antoni's comments on Tuesday about the "noise":

The Rockets' biggest problem in Game 1 wasn't their offense, but rather trying to slow down the Warriors' explosive scorers.

Golden State shot 52.5 percent from the field, knocked down 13 three-pointers and dished out 24 assists while turning the ball over just nine times. Every team, including one with the Rockets' offensive talent, will struggle to keep pace when the Dubs are creating open looks with such ease.

Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors - Game Highlights.mp4

Rockets superstar James Harden commented on the defensive mistakes after losing home-court advantage with Monday's defeat at the Toyota Center, via NBA TV:

Harden led the way with 41 points for Houston. Point guard Chris Paul added a double-double with 23 points and 11 assists. The Rockets shot a reasonable 45.9 percent and matched the Warriors with 13 threes.

So while there may be some outside criticism of the team's lack of variety on offense in Game 1, the focus before Game 2 on Wednesday must be on finding ways to force Golden State into tougher shots.

Of course, that's easier said than done when facing sharpshooters such as Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.