5 Reasons Why The Houston Rockets Can Win The West
By Kyle Tomasi
Productivity From The Bench
The bench has done more than step up for the Rockets this year. They’ve stepped up in big moments throughout the year and, if the Rockets hope to continue to have success, they will need to continue to play solid basketball these next few months.
Patrick Beverley is the leading scorer off the bench, averaging 9.7 points per outing. Never known for his scoring, Beverley is as solid as they come when it comes to a two-way point guard.
Looked at by some as a dirty player, Beverley gives it his all on the defensive end which will ultimately prove to be valuable in the long run.
Sam Dekker has also blossomed before our very eyes. The second year rookie is finding his role in the high powered offense. He is fitting the mold nicely and is turning in to the player that everyone saw at Wisconsin.
Averaging only 7.4 points per game this season, his 47.6 percent shooting from the floor shows how productive he can be and with his size and athleticism, Dekker is a matchup nightmare for a small forward. He brings the type of energy that Beverley brings on a nightly basis.
The bigs off the bench are also showing up. Nene and Montrezl Harrell have been great backups for rising center Clint Capela. Averaging 8.1 and 9.6 points per game respectively, the bench production from the center position has been solid as well.
Heading down the stretch, bench play plays such a massive role in postseason success. It will be a storyline to follow heading in to April as to whether the Rockets bench can continue it’s success.