Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 5 clincher vs. Jazz

3. Clint Capela provides a major boost

Despite being just two days removed from the worst playoff performance of his career in Game 4, Clint Capela would manage to stand out among the rest of the Rockets yet again when his team needed him most.

On a night where James Harden missed 10 out of his first 14 shots from the field, Capela proved to be arguably the most important cog in Houston’s attack, running the floor and making key hustle plays en route to throwing down several big-time jams on the night.

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Capela, who posted his second double-double of the playoffs, was a +17 for the Rockets during his time on the floor.

"“He’s been this good for a year and a half now,” D’Antoni recently told reporters when asked about Capela’s annual progression. “He was that good last year in the playoffs. [What he did in the first half], was as good as I’ve seen any center do. He was blocking shots, running the floor. Whatever he needed, he gave…can’t say enough about him.”"

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Although Capela’s woeful performance in Game 4 could likely be contributed to an adenovirus and klebsiella infection that he’s had to battle through, one could make the argument that the Swiss Roll is currently back on track after his recent showing in Game 5.

In a battle where the Rockets successfully managed to close out Utah on their home floor, Capela effectively carved out the painted area of the floor and claimed it as his own island. He challenged countless shots and accounted for three out of Houston’s 12 blocks to put together arguably his most well-rounded game of the postseason.

"“It’s been a tough week for me,” Capela told Feigen when asked about his day-to-day improvement from his illness. “Especially recovery wise, even during the games. Up and down the court was hard for me. But I’ve started feeling better. I saw the doctor, and he said it’s going the right way now. It’s good news for me.”"