While Golden State may have the upper hand in the race for the Western Conference, the Rockets have tended to look competitive against them. Houston looks likely for a top-three finish in the West, which could mean a showdown with the Warriors in the Conference Finals. In their single matchup of the season thus far, Houston outlasted the defending champs 122-121-- here are three reasons why that result could be a sign of things to come.

3. The Stars Have Aligned

The NBA is a star-driven league. There's a reason that teams without multiple All-Stars generally don't make it to the Finals; if you don't have the firepower, then you don't have much of a chance against the juggernauts.

Now, for the first time since James Harden has been in Houston, he actually has another All-NBA talent to play alongside him. Chris Paul gives Houston the talent, experience, and toughness they need to mount a deep playoff run.

2. Big Improvement on Defense

Against the conventional wisdom, the Rockets as a unit are actually playing pretty sound defense this year. The Warriors are often praised for doing it big on both ends of the floor, and have the sixth-best defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) in the league this season at 101.4-- and Houston comes in right behind in seventh at 101.6.

1. Offensive Firepower