NBA: Grading each team’s 2014-2015 season

A. <p>At one point in the season, it looked as if the Rockets might earn the number two seed in the West. Even with that dream no longer in play, it has been a very good season for both James Harden and his team.</p> <p>Harden is, by all accounts, a leading candidate for MVP, and while Steph Curry is probably more deserving of the honor, Houston’s lead guard definitely earned his seat at the table. Most notably, the Rockets are 27-14 <em>without</em> Dwight Howard in the lineup this season, a number that would have seemed unthinkable given the construction of a roster that was built around a “big two”. Harden’s production (27.5 points, 6.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds) has been incredible, and given the workload, he is the central reason for Houston’s strong success.</p> <p>Of course, it isn’t a one-man group, and Kevin McHale deserves some credit for plugging holes in the midst of injuries. With Howard missing half of the season and rising stud Terrence Jones missing nearly 50 games in his own right, McHale has tinkered his scheme to fully support Harden’s talents, and somehow, the Rockets have continued to defend despite personnel challenges.</p> <p>It remains to be seen whether the Rockets are actually a title contender with Howard back and (reasonably) healthy, but this regular season was a success by any evaluation. Hat-tip for that.</p>. 1st. Southwest Division, Western Conference. HOUSTON ROCKETS