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Houston Rockets: 10 emerging stats from the Harden-Westbrook venture

By Paul Conlon

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 9: Russell Westbrook #0 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls on November 9, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 9: Russell Westbrook #0 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls on November 9, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (Photo by Aaron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

Stats #8 to 10: Addition vs. Subtraction with the big picture

9. Turnovers per game, NBA rank: 16th

Controlling the ball and making clean passes play important roles in offensive efficiency. As a

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team, the Rockets rank 16th, right in the middle of the pack. On average, the Rockets relinquish control of the ball slightly more than 15 possessions each contest. Leading the NBA, the revamped Dallas Mavericks are the only team to average less than 13 turnovers per game.

10. Assists per game, NBA rank: 26th

Identifying passing opportunities for teammates to receive the ball and score is essential. The Rockets are tied for the fifth-worst assists per game mark in the NBA, averaging slightly less than 22 assists per contest. However, the lack of assists is arguably indicative of the team’s strategic commitment to an iso-ball offense.

Where do these Rockets fly next?

Perhaps the most telling category of all concerning the Rockets remains hidden from any individual game’s box score. In other words, Houston’s win-loss record of 19-9 provides evidence that directly testifies to naysayers that the Rockets are not a flop, though they are struggling to become more efficient through iso-ball growing pains.

Next. Rockets: Five proposed rule changes for the Harden dunk dilemma. dark

The Rockets are on a collision course with a postseason playoff berth. Not a bad problem to have—just ask the 16 teams that do not make the postseason—but with two-thirds of the season yet to tip-off, can a Rockets’ lineup with Russell Westbrook instead of Chris Paul soar higher than ever before? How deep can these Rockets go? Hold on, Houston, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

What stats stand out to you? Please leave your comments below.

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