Despite recent off-court controversies, the Rockets have shown significant improvement on the hardwood. Houston's ascent comes after a stretch from Dec. 1 through Jan. 15 where they went just 10-11.
Now at 34-20 overall, they remain 4.5 games behind second-place San Antonio, with three teams (Nuggets, Lakers, Timberwolves) closely pursuing the No. 3 spot. Led by Kevin Durant's 35-point performance against Charlotte, Houston will look to build momentum when they face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.