Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from win vs. Timberwolves

3. Clint Capela continues to hold up for the Rockets

Despite being considered as a player who relies primarily upon his teammates to create scoring opportunities for him, Clint Capela has managed to become the quintessential big man alongside of Chris Paul and James Harden by taking out the time to set hard screens and converting on nearly every shot inside for Houston in the month of February.

The pick-and-roll lob threat and put-back specialist is currently in the midst of putting together his best season to date down in Clutch City, averaging a career-high 14.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game while also leading the league in field goal percentage.

The 23-year-old center made Minnesota’s defense pay on multiple occasions for failing to tend to him down in the paint, and ran the floor out in transition to stuff down a few rim-rattling jams.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/967217263215439873

Although Capela’s ability to finish inside should come as no surprise to Rockets fans, his recent play over the last month has proven to be remarkable in extended minutes for Houston.

Over the last nine games, the fourth-year big man has averaged 16.7 points and 12.4 rebounds in 30.2 minutes per game for the Rockets and appears to be the official backbone of the team. His ability to serve as a vertical threat inside, combined with his willingness to crash the glass, is what Houston will need from the Swiss Roll in order to capture an NBA championship.