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The Houston Rockets have multiple award finalists

By Michael Knight

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: the Houston Rockets look on prior to Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on May 2, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: the Houston Rockets look on prior to Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on May 2, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Rockets will boast three award finalists at the NBA Awards Show this year.

The Houston Rockets are in the midst of a historically great season for the franchise. As such, they will have three representatives at the NBA Awards Show in June.

The team finished with a 65-17 record on the year, the best in Rockets’ history. The addition of Chris Paul to the squad makes them a force to be reckoned with in the West.

Houston is in the midst of the playoffs right now as the finalists were announced. They are tied with the Golden State Warriors 1-1 as the series shifts the Oakland.

Let’s look at our finalists:

James Harden – Most Valuable Player

The Beard has done work all year long. He has been a staple in the MVP race during his time in Houston.

Now, finally, he looks like a near-lock to win the award. He averaged a ridiculous 30.4 points and 8.8 assists per game. Harden led the league in scoring for, shockingly, the first time in his career.

The other two finalists are LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Clint Capela – Most Improved Player

Clint Capela has turned into the perfect center for the Houston Rockets. His athleticism and catching ability make him an incredible lob finisher for Paul and Harden.

His rebounding also improved this season and he became more of a force defensively. Overall, Capela averaged 13.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game on 65.2 percent shooting.

The award would be all his in a normal year, but the ridiculousness of Victor Oladipo will likely secure the victory for the Pacer. The other candidate is Spencer Dinwiddie of the Nets.

Eric Gordon – Sixth Man of the Year

Eric Gordon had another great year for the Rockets off the bench. With the injury to Chris Paul at the beginning of the season, he actually got to start quite a few games, too.

While he never quite found his 3-point shot, Gordon still was a huge part in the success of the Rockets. He averaged 18 points a night on 36% shooting from deep. EG actually averaged more point per game this season than last, when he won the Sixth Man award.

Lou Williams and Fred VanVleet are the other two finalists. It will likely be former Rocket Sweet Lou that takes it home, as he had the best year of his career.

No D’Antoni

Mike D’Antoni was not a finalist this season for Coach of the Year. He won the award last year and was able to coach Chris Paul and James Harden to perfection.

Big props to D’Antoni anyways! The three finalists are Dwane Casey (yikes), Brad Stevens & Quin Snyder.

The official decisions will be made on June 25 at 8:00 p.m. CT.

Next: The Rockets know that defense leads to offense

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