After teaming up James Harden with Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets have shown flashes where the team appears to have the firepower to compete deep in the Western Conference postseason. There also have been moments of disjointed play and effort, such as a recent stretch of four losses in five games. This recent run has led to a more vocal presence by one of its two stars.



Everyone wondered how the pairing of Harden and Westbrook — two close friends, former Most Valuable Player award winners and NBA leaders in usage rate — would work when Rockets general manager Daryl Morey swung the Chris Paul-for-Westbrook trade in July. Westbrook joined Harden’s team in Houston, with Harden serving as the main usage star, but recently it has been Westbrook who has taken the initiative within the locker room. At practices and with pre- and postgame setting and everything in between, Westbrook has delivered a succinct message to the Rockets, league sources tell...