If you had any concerns about how Dwight Howard would look upon his return to the lineup after missing 11 games with a knee issue, he would like to show you his 26 points on 11 shots, including going 8-of-10 inside eight feet from the rim. Oh, and his 13 rebounds. And his three blocks. And the fact that Denver went 3-of-9 at the rim when Howard was there to contest shots.
If you had any concerns about how Donatas Motiejunas would fit in at the four and in a different role next to Howard, he’d like to show you his 13 second quarter points on his way to 25 for the game. Howard gave Motiejunas space, deferring to the guy with the hot hand (if you believe in the hot hand, that is).
If you had any concerns about how James Harden would look having to share the ball a little more, well, he’d suggest you watch this video of his triple double.
All of which is to say, Houston looked very good beating Denver Saturday night.
It’s a mistake to read too much into one December game, but the Rockets looked like a team on a 64-win pace (which in the ridiculous Western Conference is still just the three seed). And one that just got its defensive key back.