BY NISAR KHAN
Houston Rockets have been on a great run of form on the turn of the New Year, causing many to speculate on a possible NBA title for the Texas side. But are the Rockets really capable of a Championship run?
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| Houston topped power rankings last week. GOSPEL HERALD |
Houston had a terrific season last year, making it to the playoffs, although crashing out to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The vast progress made in that season, stimulated by the acquisition of James Harden, brought about optimism and a wave of prosperity going forward.
That was further aided in the postseason with Dwight Howard joining the Houston Rockets. Despite suffering to find form back in Los Angeles, it was a much different story for Dwight in Houston, managing to take off from the outset.
While making some ground away from the Trail Blazers, the Rockets are looking to battle the Clippers closely for third place in the West – progress made from just getting into the playoffs last season, and the Rockets have already surpassed their amount of wins for last season.
Breaking it down, its clear who lead the franchise into battle, James Harden and Dwight Howard, a tantalizing duo for the Rockets that have put them into possible Championship aspirations.
While consistency has fluctuated over the season, the Texas-based franchise was coming hot off the All Star weekend, acquiring a big win streak and topping the Champions in doing so.
Maybe that is the issue that keeps them off the mark for a while for the Houston Rockets, consistency. They are able to come on huge win streaks, but then suffer a deteriorating loss that hinders them or puts them out of the perspective for a while – however, entering the playoffs is becoming a bigger likelihood by the day.
Now, its pretty much certain that the Rockets will get there. In the event they don’t, it will be major disappointment, but despite the West closeness in the picture, they’ve pretty much sealed a date in the playoffs. But now, the focus is on getting higher up the standings to get a better draw in the playoffs, getting further and growing as a team.
When Jeremy Lin finds his game, the Rockets become a force to be reckoned with. It was no doubt a smart buy in the 2012 post-season when Lin and Harden entered for the Rockets’ forging a backcourt that got them further than many had expected. Patrick Beverly is another promising star, adding to the bank of resources in the backcourt that will be all important for them getting further in the season.
If Omar Asik does go, it will be a blow although they can rebuild. You can’t blame him – even if his importance was overlooked.
One of the key pieces is Chandler Parsons. A player like that can provide the extra push that makes the all important difference between the late games – the games of which can determine 3rd or 4th in the standings – and will ultimately be pivotal in their matchups in the playoffs.
Maybe, the Championship talk is premature. What will continue to spark it though is the runs where the Rockets just take off and look to pose a big threat. Its all about developing – a title surely could not be expected of the first season, but with progression they will become a much more accredited contender.
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