**adjusted for pace for context**

Per 75 possessions
Harden/Russ: 45 pp75
Shaq/Kobe: 46.8 pp75

Different styles of play. Can you imagine a dominant Kobe and Shaq in their prime playing for Mike D'Antoni?
D'Antoni coached both Kobe (Lakers) and Shaq (Suns) but not at the same time and both players were older.

But I do wonder how Harden and Westbrook would've performed in the triangle offense?
People tend to forget that they're both capable passers that have led the league in assists.

I think if you had Phil Jackson coaching this current Rockets team they'd perform very well. Maybe win the NBA Finals!

no they wouldnt. Harden is the ultimate black hole who is the reason he will never be on a championship team.

Robert Covington has only been in Houston a short while, but his impact on the defensive end has been MVP-esque.

His -11.2 defensive differential ranks second behind Giannis (11.3) and ahead of LeBron (9.7)

People talk about Covington being just a 3-and-D guy but he's been elite defensively. Shooting threes is a plus.
I'm hoping the NBA returns and can proceed with the 2020 NBA Playoffs. The small ball lineup had potential.

If the playoffs are lost entirely that hurts. I guess it hurts a team like the Lakers a lot more. Another year of LeBron's prime is gone.

Kevin O'Connor@KevinOConnorNBA·52m
Sources: Downtown Houston is being weighed as a potential neutral site location to host NBA games. Disney and Las Vegas remain the favorites but Houston has the facilities needed with the Rockets’ home arena, Toyota Center, neighboring a convention center.

I feel very good about the NBA returning. That would be awesome if it came to Houston!
I'd love to see the conclusion of the small ball lineup. Even if the Rockets are a 5th or 6th seed.

I'm assuming it will be without crowds though. Not like I could just walk on over to the games. I'd have to watch on TV.

Okay guys. It's time to get serious again! It's NBA Finals or bust for the Houston Rockets.

The Houston Rockets resume the regular season on Friday, July 31 against the Mavericks.
That game is going to be nationally televised on ESPN at 8 p.m. central. It's go time, baby!
On Sunday, August 2 we may see an NBA Finals preview. Rockets vs. Bucks on ABC. 7:30 p.m.

Eight regular-season games left. The Rockets are currently the 6th seed at 40-24.
What's remarkable is they can finish anywhere from the 2nd seed to the 7th seed.

If I had to guess I'll say the Rockets will finish 7-1 and end up the 3rd seed. Currently the Nuggets are 3rd with 22 losses.
So many wild scenarios. The Rockets can literally play the Clippers, Nuggets, Jazz, Thunder or Mavericks in the first round.

With no real home court advantage (no sold-out crowds) the lower seeded teams may not be that affected at the Disney bubble.

up

Hey Ryan nice crazy win tonight but this is why the rockets have no shot in hell of ever winning a championship with this formula

What a game

It's not going to be easy doing it for four straight playoff series. Seven-game series, but it's not entirely impossible.

The Rockets played some exceptional defense down the stretch against the Mavericks and Bucks. It's good to see!
They can lock down and play shutdown defense when they have. Making key stops. Rebounding is an issue though.

Let's see if the Rockets can beat the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. 8 p.m. on TNT! Another nationally televised game.
They play the Lakers on Thursday night on TNT. Imagine going 4-0 at the bubble with wins over Dal, Mil, Por and LAL!