What's been the biggest reason for Rockets surprising start?

Continuing with that line of thought, the biggest factor may be the change in Harden. He's minimized the distractions in his life and seems absolutely focused on this season. His dedication and leadership is the engine of this team.

 

He was thought of as a potential star before injuries hit.

But Bev, Ariza, Capela, Dekker and to a lesser extent Ryno are having very good years also.

 

I'm going to say Pringles because us getting him actually gave our team a direction and a style of play to commit to, something we haven't had in a coach since the Rick Adelman days. The Rockets choosing him contributes to all the other options from OP's poll.

- Because of we choose MDA, we fully accepted a spread and space offense and got Anderson and Gordon to help make that happen. MDA uses Gordon and Anderson to their strengths too.

- Because we got MDA, we reaffirmed that Dwight's role here was never going to be what he wanted. We essentially pushed Dwight even more out the door by signing MDA.

- MDA actually gave our young guys chances. No more McHale and especially JB, riding veterans like Brewer when they were struggling. The moment the team is struggling, MDA pops in Dekker or Harrell to see if they can spark us.

- Since MDA is so offensively focused, we prioritized getting good defensive assistants that actually get on players and call out defensive calls during games. I rarely saw JB stand up and shout out defensive calls when he was an assistant in a game but Rodgers and Bzedlik do it consistently throughout the game. They demand a finer attention to defense.

And of course MDA was the one that finally threw the Harden will be the PG card on the table. Unlocking a side of his game that has made him and us dangerous on any given night.

 

Eric Gordon being who Ty Lawson was supposed to be.

Clint being who Dwight was supposed to be.

 

It's a combination of coaching and personnel but it definitely starts with MDA giving the team an identity/ clear roles and of course the players buying in.

 

Finally we have some real shooters to play Moreyball.

 

I disagree with the question. This shouldn't be surprising. We had a chemistry problem last year not a talent one.

 

10-2 since Pat Bev came back............

 

Harden exploiting the Open lane is the biggest difference....so,

1. Dumping Dwert
   (Hakeem would need that to occur too)
2. Getting shooters around him
   (Hakeem needed that, too)
3. Harden/Team fockass
   (Hakeem/Team fockass'd like never before, too)
4. D'Antoni
   (Rudy's first year was 1993, year before two chips, as well)

 

Eric Gordon as the 6th man is a huge reason. We forget he was a lottery pick. He is much better than I remember.

The bench with Bev is surprisingly good. Low draft picks Dekker and Huh-rell have been surprise contributers.

 

That No.4 statement could be a very bold one.

 

You have a problem with it?

 

No problem per se.

MDA just did not strike me as a person who would win 2 consecutive titles, one can dwell in that.

 

Too lazy to look up the stats but we must be shooting a higher 3 point % than last year and on more volume. To me that's the difference now the reason that is happening is a combo of system/MDA, Gordon, Ryno, Dekker, and no Dwert.

 

The fact that they're making stops on the defensive end in crucial moments individually and as a team is pretty awesome and something I didn't expect.

 

How can one sleep when rockets are as exciting as this!

 

yeah but these were the momentum killers, and momentum is of crucial importance

 

also dont forget dwert is magnet for bad calls and hostile officiating ( and that kinda matters a lot), and he would also got us obligatory
1 offensive interference per game
1-2 goaltendings ( when ball wouldnt go in anyway) per game
1-2 offensive fouls on screens per game

 

Having a coach and a Gordon and no uncle Dwight diddling our youngsters in the closet

 

The difference is team culture and leadership, which go hand in hand.

A staggering 8/10 players in the rotation are high energy/tough guys: Bev, Ariza, Capella, Harrell, Dekker, Brewer, Gordon and Nene. Harden is in better shape and giving more effort, and even Anderson plays tough on the boards. With this critical mass, we do not see games where "we need to play with more energ and stick together". How many times did we see that damn quote last year? That's what made Rockets basketball unwatchable. It certainly is critical that these same people are capable of the 3ball and PNR offense, but make no mistake, the key is these guys are all high energy, hard nosed players

Last year, Harden was out of shape, Howard pouted. That was the death of the season. In addition, Bev was hurt, and we ran out the likes of J Smove, t jones, Marcus Thornton and Jason terry. With the two "leaders" adrift, we had no chance. Harden does not appear to have that murderous competitiveness gene that the greats do, but he is giving more effort and is surrounded by hard nosed players that make up for any shortcomings and more importantly, make it less likely that he will get lazy.

Harden gets credit for coming into this season ready to ball (though query whether a superstar should be lauded for caring), MDA/Bezdelick gets huge credit for being willing to play Harrell and Decker. MDA, Morey and Les get credit for managing Harden and getting his buy in.