The Houston Rockets have returned to form, and it was again quite evident in Thursday night’s 104-97 road win over the Dallas Mavericks.
True to the team’s fast-paced style of action, James Harden and Clint Capela provided the play of the game, as they connected on a half-court alley-oop that’s worthy of a dozen replays.
#JamesHarden picks out Capela on the half-court alley-oop!
Harden has 25 PTS, 13 AST, 5 REB, 6 3PM
📺: @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/a1fARsdzSj
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2018
The highlight-reel assist and dunk happened midway into the fourth quarter, when the Rockets were up by 15 and were about to fully put away the Mavs. Harden was just a step away from the mid-court line and looked like he was just setting up a normal play, when he suddenly threw a high pass to a streaking Capela, who got free courtesy of a Ryan Anderson screen from the left elbow. The slam wasn’t that ferocious, but the execution of the play represented how comfortable they are with their system.
James Harden (25 points and 13 assists) and Clint Capela (16 points and 13 rebounds) each had a double-double, and though Chris Paul had a quiet night (3-for-12 shooting and four assists), the win extended the trio’s awesome trend. The Rockets are now a perfect 17-0 when all three start the game.
We should expect the Rockets to continue the surge. Their resume and firepower may not be as intimidating as that of the Golden State Warriors, but like the defending champs, they are a handful on both sides of the floor.
Houston has won seven of its last eight games. Next on the calendar is a visit with the New Orleans Pelicans and their twin towers, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. The Pels are also rolling right now, winning six of their last seven.
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