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5 reasons why the Houston Rockets are unstoppable in the West

By FanSided Staff

Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets onward Josh Smith (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets onward Josh Smith (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets onward Josh Smith (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets onward Josh Smith (5) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Rockets beat the Mavs 130-128. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

With the Houston Rockets taking down the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 to go up 3-0 in the series, here are five reasons why they are unstoppable in the Western Conference.

The Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the best teams in basketball this year. Even though Dwight Howard missed over half the season due to injury, they still continually performed and landed themselves as the no. 2 seed in the Western Conference side. Many think that the Golden State Warriors are the team to beat in the West after earning the best record in the NBA this season. But the regular season is not always a fair interpretation of how the playoffs will materialize. In fact, many times the no. 1 seed in each conference doesn’t even make it to the NBA Finals.

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Nonetheless, the Rockets are slowly becoming that team to beat in the West. With the recent return of Dwight Howard, there were question marks as to whether or not they could click as a team and find any success. Obviously, those questions were more or less silenced as the Rockets went up 3-0 on Dallas in a playoff defining series.

More likely than not, the Rockets will go on to sweep the Mavericks, which means they are on to face the winner of the Spurs and Clippers series. Because of the series being tied at 1-1, neither will get too much of a rest before facing Houston in the second round. Neither of which is equipped to beat the Rockets, especially if they are on little rest and Houston is refreshed and ready to go.

Which means, if they end up beating either of these teams in round two, they will most likely find themselves facing the Warriors. Even though they are seen as a favorite to come out of the West, I think they are a bit overrated. Their roster was perfect to sustain success over the entirety of the regular season, but in a seven-game series, the Rockets most certainly have the edge.

The Houston Rockets are for real this year. With Harden playing at such a high level and Howard contributing like he is actually motivated to win a title, I like their chances. Here are five reasons why they are unstoppable in the Western Conference Playoffs.

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