For years now, the Houston Rockets have been unable to get over the playoff home.

And with two superstars who aren't getting any younger and a coach in the last year of

his contract, it's due or die time.

And now the team is making a big gamble.

They've committed to playing small ball in an extreme way.

Today the Athletics Kelly Ego joins us to talk about Houston's grand experiment whether

or not it could actually work.

And what's at stake for the team and head coach Mike Dantonie?

I think this year he's going all out putting all of his chips on the table and saying,

let's do it.

From Wondery and the Athletic, I'm Anders Keltow.

And I'm Kavita Davidson.

It's Wednesday, February 26th and this is The Lead.

It felt like something great was happening.

There was just something about the emotion and the moment you know the verse for verse.

The failures of the past don't matter because we've got this now.

This isn't a story where you interview the athlete in your home.

It stays with you.

Hey, prime members, you can listen to The Lead ad free on Amazon Music.

Download the app today.

You're what up.

This is Rob Markman.

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