Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from win vs. Warriors

3. Clint Capela has become a major offensive weapon for the Rockets

Despite playing on a team that attempts more shots from beyond the arc than any in the history of basketball, Clint Capela has managed to stand out all season long by doing the exact opposite, as the rim-running specialist has quietly become a vital offensive weapon for the Rockets in the month of January.

The 23-year-old center — who leads the league in field goal percentage — scored in double figures for the ninth consecutive contest, posting 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. He made the Warriors defense pay for mishaps and took full advantage of double-teams drawn by Chris Paul and James Harden driving inside the paint by throwing down several big jams.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/954916683357007872

While Capela’s ability to finish plays inside may come to no surprise for Rockets fans, his recent stretch of dominance in extended minutes might bewilder many across Houston.

Over the last five games, the fourth-year big man has averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 28.4 minutes per game for the Rockets — and proven himself to be arguably the most important component within Mike D’Antoni offense.

His ability to serve as a vertical threat inside, combined with his ability to effectively crash the glass, will help him continue to stay on the floor for much longer spurts as the season rolls along … and could be exactly what Houston needs to knock off Golden State in the playoffs.