5 reasons why the Houston Rockets are unstoppable in the West

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 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA;Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) celebrate against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Rockets won 111 to 99. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dwight Howard is back

Dwight Howard suffered a knee injury in late January, and he sat out much of the second half of the season. He returned with just weeks left in the season and got limited minutes. Many were questioning whether or not the center could back and immediately gel with the team who had been more or less fine without him.

If anything was an indication as to whether or not he would be a useful member of the team, it has been his performance so far in the playoffs. He has absolutely eaten alive Mavericks center Tyson Chandler, averaging 17.3 points and 14.3 rebounds per game. He had a dominating showcase in Game 2 where he dropped 28 points. He also grabbed 26 rebounds in Game 3, further proving that he is revved and ready to go for the remainder of the playoffs.

Next: 3. Clippers can't hang

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