P.J. Tucker says 'Tuck-wagon' is NBA's top small-ball lineup

The Golden State Warriors' "Hamptons Five" lineup has torn up anything and everything during the team's playoff run. So the Houston Rockets needed a counter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.

Enter the Rockets' own version of small ball, colloquially known around Houston as "The Tuck-wagon" lineup. The lineup has sixth man and microwave scorer Eric Gordon come in for Clint Capela, and it shifts P.J. Tucker to the center spot.

"That's my favorite lineup," Tucker said to USA Today's Sam Amick postgame. "We feel like we’re the best at that, when we go small. We feel like nobody can do what we do. You want to go small? Alright, fine. We’ll go small too. And like I said, our small lineup is the best in the league."

Tucker was a standout in 37 minutes during the 127-105 win to even the series at a game apiece. He scored a career-high 22 points on the strength of 5-of-6 shooting from distance. Tucker also grabbed seven boards and dished out four assists while providing his usual relentless effort and toughness on defense.

The Tuck-wagon lineup was utilized for 10 minutes, and absolutely blitzed the Warriors to the tune of a 30.2 net rating, 125.2 offensive rating and a 95 defensive rating. By contrast, the Hamptons Five lineup was abysmal from the tip, posting a net rating of minus-35.9 and a laughable 137.9 defensive rating in the 22 minutes head coach Steve Kerr stuck with the group.

The Rockets will hope the Tuck-wagon keeps chugging to Oakland for Game 3 at Oracle Arena on Sunday night.