Walking along the path of recovery, the Golden State Warriors enter a high-stakes matchup tomorrow. With a trip to Las Vegas on the line, a rematch against the Houston Rockets awaits. The fable clash has had several iconic endings in the past years. The most recent gave the Bay their first back-to-back wins. Steve Kerr’s confidence before tomorrow’s game is resounding since it came without his two talismans.

“Our guys are excited… We packed to go to Vegas. We want to go,” Kerr told the media ahead of their game against a compact Rockets. His optimism is fueled by their first meeting during the season. Without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors showed great character to crush one of the tough Western Conference teams.

Tomorrow, he has a healthy contingent on his side. Moreover, the sense of confidence and competition has risen, given the implications of the NBA Cup. Playing in the knockout stages has guaranteed each player of the Warriors a reward. However, the grand prize of half a million is enticing enough to motivate players to go into their additional gear.

Andrew Wiggins, another star who will return tomorrow, spoke about the ambitions running high on the team. “It’s new, and it’s something that guys want to win. Another thing to try and compete for, to try and win and say you won the NBA Cup. You get paid for it. You get paid even more if you win. You know, a lot of things go into it,” Wiggins said in reaction to Kerr’s comments.

But it’s not going to come easy. Even though the Warriors are the only side to have multiple wins against the Rockets this season, the rejuvenated franchise has an identity. Under the methodical eyes of Ime Udoka, Houston seems to have found their identity. But there seems to be a plan in place that the Warriors will rely on to get an edge.

Steve Kerr and the Warriors plan to crack the defense-minded Rockets

Significantly, Udoka tends to follow a few principles when coaching. Even when at the helm for the Boston Celtics, he established the need for a compact defense. The Houston Rockets have begun honing that side of the floor this season. They allow the third-fewest points to any opponents. Udoka has also led them to great wins against sides such as the Knicks and the Thunder.

However, Kerr has managed to crack through his system twice. The revered head coach may have a simple tactic, having recognized his defensive prowess. Kevon Looney spoke about it during his sit-down with the media. He lauded the team’s defense, but the Warriors still possess an advantage.

“We just got to play our style of game. Play with pace. You know when they set up in the half-court, they are really physical. They make teams play in crowds and stuff like that, they got long athletes. Great defensive team but we play our style of game, play with pace, and coach’s saying is play singles instead of home runs plays and we will be alright,” Looney revealed.

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It has been a pattern thus far. Most of the Rockets’ losses have come against teams that maintain a healthy pace. Furthermore, it’s an ideology Kerr has tried to establish since early in the season. However, while the Rockets have an identity, the Warriors are still trying to discover theirs.

Despite the prior wins, with the intensity of the NBA Cup and the stakes at hand, the game will be unlike their previous battles. The high-octane atmosphere on the road will be a test of character for the Warriors who are only just getting back to their feet. It’s bound to be one tantalizing game that could come down to grit and heart rather than a tactical advantage.

Who do you think wins tomorrow? Let us know your views in the comments below.