Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from loss vs. Thunder

2. Clint Capela is a vital component to the Rockets’ success

After sitting out two out of the last three contests last week, Clint Capela showed exactly why he was dearly missed on the floor for the Rockets, throwing down several highlight jams and making things happen within the pick-and-roll on Monday night.

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The 23-year-old center— who leads the league in field goal percentage — posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He also shot 9-for-14 from the field in just 30 minutes of action.

Despite dropping yet another close contest, Capela’s return could not have come at a better time for Houston, as the fourth-year big man continues to make waves in his best season as a pro.

Through 28 games, Capela is currently averaging 14 points and 11.3 rebounds this season for the Rockets, and has proven to be a vital asset to playmakers such as James Harden all year long.

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While Nene is quite efficient within these type of sets for the Rockets, Capela is arguably one of the best pick-and-roll screeners in the game, as he has the ability to guarantee two points just about every time that him and Harden run the play. In addition to serving as a versatile help defender, as the 6’9″ rising star is mobile enough to switch on screens and guard multiple positions.

As a result, Capela’s presence gives opposing teams another problem to deal with. The Rockets will definitely seek to call upon his number to try and cap off the month of December in grand fashion.