NBA: 3 dark horse postseason contenders if season resumes
By Dalton Sell
Houston Rockets
When the Houston Rockets added Russell Westbrook in the offseason, they formed arguably the league’s most dynamic backcourt, having paired him alongside James Harden. With two NBA MVPs playing side by side, the fit remained questionable, but it could have also proved unstoppable with that much prolific offense between the two.
The experiment proved to be inconsistent as the team could not stay in a rhythm all season, before having undergone a monumental change at the trade deadline. In the move, they shipped out big man Clint Capela and added forward Robert Covington to go all-in on small-ball.
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The change did not precisely go as plan, as they went 8-6 before the NBA suspended play in March, a significant part of this being their lack of rebounding. Opposing teams have feasted on the Rockets in terms of rebounding, as they have ranked deep in the bottom portion in the league during that time.
To make matters worse, Harden has also struggled with his offense since the switch. Having averaged 34.4 points per game on the season, No. 13’s offense has slightly dipped, to 29.4 points per game, on an uncharacteristic 31.7 percent 3-point shooting.
With Harden having struggled, his backcourt partner Westbrook has flourished as he averaged 31.7 points per game on an astonishing 54.5 percent field goal shooting and 33.9 percent 3-point shooting. Capela’s subtraction opened the door for Westbrook to do more offensively with increased spacing, and he has taken full advantage.
While justifiable by the looks of it, the Houston Rockets should not get written off just yet. For years the Rockets could not get over the hump past the Herculean Golden State Warriors, and with them now gone, the team could have a chance if they can pull it together. James Harden and Russell Westbrook, thriving side by side, would be the first step to success, which could prove difficult if Harden would continue to struggle.
The Lakers and Clippers would also prove difficult matchups, but if the Rockets are playing at the highest level possible, never say never. With two MVPs on their roster, the 6-seeded Houston Rockets should not get counted out just yet.