The Houston Rockets managed to survive Dwight Howard’s injury with an 8-3 record when the big man was out of the line up. While their offense has once again ranked among the best in the NBA, it is their improvements on the defensive side of the basketball that has made the biggest difference in their success so far this season. Howard is now back and healthy, and the Rockets are back at full strength while coming off a 108-96 win in Denver this past weekend.
Although the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies have been getting all of the spotlight in the headlines, the Rockets are just 2.5 games back with one of the best records in the NBA already. And with Howard back, it’s clear that Houston could be the best team in the Western Conference.
Harden Has Been Feeling Like An MVP
Any discussion about the Rockets potential has to begin and end with their MVP candidate James Harden and the level he has played at this season. Harden is averaging a team-leading 26.6 points along with 6.7 assists and 6.4 rebound this season. His 5.4 WARP and his RPM WAR both rank second in the NBA and if he continues to perform at this level, then Houston will be difficult to stop. One of the most noticeable differences in his game that truly makes him an MVP candidate has been his improved play on defense.
The Rockets roster is loaded with talent but it will be Harden that leads the way as they compete for an NBA title this season and so far at least statistically there aren’t many players that have been better than he has been.
The Supporting Cast Has Been Fantastic
Harden’s superstar presence is complimented by an outstanding supporting cast that includes Howard, Trevor Ariza, Terrence Jones, and Patrick Beverley, not to mention a potential rising star in Donatas Motiejunas. All five of those players has averaged more than 10 points per game this season and they all bring different skill sets to the table.
Howard is a monster down low, and when he was hurt we saw flashes of just how good Motiejunas has the potential to be as he continues to grow. Ariza has seamlessly replaced Chandler Parsons ability at the offensive end of the floor and is also an upgrade defensively. Meanwhile, Jones and Beverley are both excellent complimentary pieces that can provide secondary scoring while also bringing it at the defensive end of the floor.
Jason Terry has also provided a calming, veteran voice off the bench and it’s hard to argue against the depth that the Rockets have assembled this season. And remember, this all comes after the Rockets had supposedly whiffed this offseason, missing out on Chris Bosh and losing Parsons. Turns out they knew what they were doing.
Defense Much Improved
The final factor in Houston’s rise to becoming arguably the best team in the Western Conference is the team’s defense. Everybody knew that the Rockets would be able to score points in bunches with so much talent led by Harden, but perhaps the biggest surprise has been their commitment at the other end as they rank second in the NBA in defensive efficiency and third in points per game allowed. And the stats are even more impressive when you consider they were without Howard for 11 games.
Harden’s commitment to growing as one of the most complete players in the league has been a breath of fresh air and he has had plenty of help with Howard, Ariza, and Beverley all bringing it on a consistent basis.
Houston has the superstar talent, excellent depth, and a strong commitment to playing at a high level at both ends of the floor and those are the three biggest reasons why they could very well be the best team in the Western Conference this season now that they are healthy again.
