Rockets Dethrone Kings, Win 4th in a Row
For the first time all season, the Rockets cruised to a victory, with little resistance from the opposition. Sacramento played hard, but the Kings were no match for Clint Capela and the Rockets dominant performance that sealed win number 4 in a row. Houston’s big man had his best game of the season, posting 23 points and 16 rebounds, to go along with 4 blocks on the defensive end. Kings’ rookie Marvin Bagley III had a nice game, but Capela showed the skills a dominant big man in the NBA possesses by yearly improvement. The Kings had several guys play well but the Rockets are just a better team. Finally, after succumbing to the competition earlier in the season, Houston is finally demonstrating the ability to beat the teams they’re supposed to beat. This is a great sign for Rockets fans as it shows that the squad’s focus and attention to detail is getting sharper as the season moves along. After a slow start to the season for Capela, he is finally playing the best basketball of the year and possibly his career, as he has been a dominant force in the post. The MVP had another stellar game for the Rockets with 34 points, 8 dimes, and 4 boards. Chris Paul rounded out the big 3’s superior outing with 24 points and 9 assists. It was nice for the Rockets to be on the right side of a blowout, allowing Gerald Green to finally find a groove. Green’s been struggling to fit back into the rotation since his injury and had an efficient 17 points in only 14 minutes. Hopefully, Gerald aka the Green Light has his rhythm back, as his instant energy and hustle off the bench gives Houston one of the deepest second unit’s in the NBA. The Rockets have now won 7 of their last 9 games and are beginning to find chemistry as the team finally gets healthy, and players become more familiar with the new additions to the roster. Up next for Houston, former teammates (and now heated rivals) Chris Paul and Blake Griffin square off as the Detroit Pistons roll into town. Detroit has one of the most dominant frontcourts in the NBA, with Griffin and the underrated beast at center Andre Drummond. Clint Capela will have his hands full, as Drummond has been one of the NBA’s best rebounders for years and this season is no different. The Rockets should be prepared to battle for the boards all night and continue to “Run As One” and they should have their 5th win in a row in sight.