Houston Rockets: 5 Midseason Takeaways

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Jan 10, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) and Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) shake hands after a made basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

1. They’re Playing Team Ball

For the first time in the past couple of seasons, the Rockets are finally figuring out that team ball is much better than hero ball. It’s not just the James Harden show anymore (although, it still kind of is).

Harden has help around him, something that’s been lacking the past couple of seasons. He finally has some perimeter threats that opponents have to guard when he slashes towards the basket.

The Rockets are second in the NBA in assists, tallying 25.6 per contest, only behind the offensive powerhouse of the Golden State Warriors who are averaging a ridiculous 31.2 per game. With Harden at the point guard position this year, the Rockets are able to utilize the drive-and-kick type offense with perimeter threats everywhere you look.

The likes of Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Patrick Beverly and Trevor Ariza have propelled the Rockets’ perimeter shooting into space so far during the 2016-17 season. With Harden’s ability to get them the ball, those four have thrived on the perimeter, shooting a collective 39.3 percent from behind the arc.

The Rockets may have found they’re groove on the offensive end and have all the right pieces of the puzzle to win a lot of games but their performance moving forward is what is going to matter. The first half of the season is in the books and they’re looking good so far, but there’s a lot of season left.

Next: 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Week 14

Don’t be surprised to see the Rockets making a push for an NBA championship this season.

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