Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard
James Harden(13) and center
Dwight Howard(12) in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In the latest edition of our NBA power rankings, we examine why no one seems to be talking about the Houston Rockets as an NBA Title contender
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Almost quietly, the Houston Rockets have catapulted themselves all the way up to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. They also carry the third best record in the entire NBA. Yet, no one seems to take them as a serious NBA title contender.
And I’m not even sure why.
Sure, the Houston Rockets aren’t the prototypical NBA team, but they are as star-driven of a team as the next squad. And, as we all know, stars ultimately win out in the NBA playoffs. The Rockets have the 4th ranked defense (100.1 points per 100 possessions) in the NBA and the 13th ranked offense (103.7 points per 100 possessions). If anything those numbers should surprise you — in a good way.
You wouldn’t think the Rockets would have a better defense than offense, but they do.
This is also a team that has played without Dwight Howard for a good chunk of this season. They also have the probable NBA MVP in James Harden leading the way.
Considering all that, I’m not sure what there is not to like about this team’s chances in the playoffs. Get on board. The Rockets could make a deep run in this year’s Western Conference playoffs, and not considering them as a candidate is a mistake.
Next: New York Knicks