The biggest reason Houston is back to being considered a legitimate title contender is Dwight Howard.
Nobody knew what to expect from a center who missed most of the regular season, but he looks fantastic so far. Here's the Washington Post with more:
"But aside from perhaps Rose, the NBA player who has returned to elite status the loudest has been Howard. Injured much of the year, and not terribly effective when able to take the floor, a healthy and beastly Howard raises Houston to the ranks of the legitimate contenders. Even in a down year, the Rockets were seven points better per 100 possessions with Howard on the floor than off this season, per Basketball-Reference.com."
Howard's influence is clear, but in the postseason he's risen to another level. If he stays there, the Rockets will be as tough an out as anybody.
(h/t: Washington Post)
Photo Credit: Thomas B. Shea/USA TODAY Sports
