Houston Rockets: Resting Chris Paul is the right move

The Houston Rockets are heating up at the right time, and sitting Chris Paul ahead of the NBA playoffs is the right decision

The Houston Rockets came away with a strong home win Friday night against the lowly Phoenix Suns.

Despite the close score, James Harden, as usual, ran the show for the Rockets. He finished with a record-setting line of 40 points (41), 10 assists (11), five steals (six), three blocks and was just one rebound short of a triple-double.

The coaching staff made the decision to sit Chris Paul ahead of a home game against the worst team in the Western Conference. Not only was this a good decision for Paul, but it is also a way to get the rest of the team heated up as the NBA postseason approaches.

The Rockets are a shooting team, and getting everyone playing their best as the most important games approach will only help the Rockets get past the first round hump and beyond.

Danuel House Jr. had a very successful return to the lineup. House made his return from the G League and played in his first NBA game since Jan. 14. Getting the start with Paul resting, he made his shot count when it mattered.

He played almost 35 minutes and had one of the best games of his career against his former squad. He finished with 18 points, tying his career high, including the game-clinching 3-pointer off a Harden pass.

He not only shot 6-of-11 from the field, but he hit half his attempts from the 3-point line as well (4-for-8).

These are the performances the Rockets are hoping for as they prep for the NBA postseason. They sit third in the Western Conference, are 9-1 in their last 10, and have the luxury of resting their second best player with hopes that he stays healthy for the rest of the season.

Veteran Presences Will Be Important

When you look at the Rockets roster from top to bottom, they have impressive depth. Eric Gordon is a solid option as a shooting guard and has proven his ability to score as the Rockets’ third or fourth option.

Kenneth Faried may not be the same beast he was with the Denver Nuggets, but his 10.6 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game suggests there is plenty left in the tank. Gerald Green also had some great games down the stretch and has helped the Rockets win big games.

While he may take a back seat to other players down the stretch, he is a viable option to help create some offense and chemistry when the Rockets need it.

In now his fifth season in the NBA, Clint Capela is a proven center. His rebounding ability is unquestionable and his developing scoring skills are making him one of the best big men in the NBA. Working the post with a shoot-first team helps him utilize his skills well.

The Rockets have full confidence in him, and it is his presence down low that could be a difference maker against some of the better teams in the Western Conference.

Do the Rockets have the best chance at beating the Golden State Warriors? When you look at all the rosters in the Western Conference, it’s hard to argue against that notion.

While this does not mean they will beat the Warriors, they definitely have the best mix of players to take down the NBA powerhouse. The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are hopeful candidates as well, but the Rockets at their best present a great challenge.

They are a great shooting team but also have a strong front-court presence. If they are able to control possession and shoot efficiently, they could be a strong challenge for the championship-favorite Warriors.

For now, keeping Paul healthy and rested ahead of the playoffs, along with getting the rest of the team ready is imperative for the Rockets. They have the squad to make some noise, but it is up to the players and coaching staff to make it happen.

Harden can’t do everything, and the game against the Suns was a good example of what could be if the rest of the Rockets squad step up.