D'Antoni downplays reported tension regarding Rockets' style of play

Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni played down the reported tension within the team regarding his offensive style despite multiple players apparently questioning his tactics throughout the season.

Guards Chris Paul and James Harden got into a verbal exchange about ball movement after the team's season-ending Game 6 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs. Both stars are said to be frustrated with D'Antoni's brand of basketball, but the bench boss maintains it's nothing out of the ordinary.

"You know, we’ve always, we go back and forth about how to play the best that we can play," D'Antoni told The Athletic's Sam Amick. "I think for the most part - and anytime, sometimes it’s too much of this and too little of that, you know? So I think that’s normal."

D'Antoni, 68, has one season remaining on his current deal but is already negotiating an extension. He originally agreed to a four-year deal with the Rockets in June 2016 and has guided the club to a 173-73 regular-season record in three years.

However, the Rockets have reportedly parted ways with four members of D'Antoni's staff, including associate head coach and defensive guru Jeff Bzdelik.

Golden State has eliminated Houston four times in the last five seasons.