HOUSTON (OnSI )- The Rockets are 4-0 for the first time in 12 years after Monday’s 120-110 win over the Hawks. After trailing by three at halftime, the Rockets took control late in the third quarter and opened the fourth quarter with an 18-8 burst.

Here are three takeaways from an impressive home win:

Defense picks up the slack

Led by 15 points from CJ McCollum and 14 points from Jalen Johnson, the Hawks scored 66 points in the first half. Atlanta shot 49% as a team. McCollum was 6 of 8 from the field, while Johnson was only 3 of 8 but made 7 of 8 free throws.

“It felt like we were just following them around,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said. “Didn’t bring a lot of physicality to it. Not a lot of communication at times. Losing McCollum and certain guys in transition, getting wide open looks. It was a point of emphasis at halftime.”

The Hawks scored just 19 points on 32% shooting in the third quarter, and 44 points on 37% shooting for the half.…