The Rockets' blowout of the Hornets on Wednesday offered the most vivid example of their strength even with James Harden out, but Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said that should be expected.
The Rockets went on a 25-0 run with Harden on the bench, with Chris Paul and the second unit dominating, often by pushing tempo more than Paul often has in his career. In the 11 games since Chris Paul returned from his knee injury, the Rockets' bench – usually with Paul at the point – has played at the second-fastest pace in the NBA.
"They (the second unit) try to push it a little bit," D'Antoni said.