PRESENCE OF MIND
Capela’s rim protection skills were back on display against the Warriors
Following a slow start through three games in November, Rockets center Clint Capela re-established himself against a depleted Golden State Warriors team on Wednesday.
“I still think that I’m not where I want to be yet but I’m getting there,” Capela said. “I feel like game after game it’s getting better.”
Capela scored 19 points with season-highs in rebounds (16) and blocks (6).
His 19 points were the most since a 21-point showing against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 30. But it was his defensive presence that provided the most for him to build from.
“Just be a presence,” he said of his role as a rim protector. “Tonight was a good example of what I can be, what I should be.”
Like most of the Rockets players, he continued to find his physical form against the Warriors.
“It was OK,” coach Mike D’Antoni said of Capela’s performance. “He’s got room for improvement like everybody. He’s just got to get in shape.
“It was a short preseason and it’s funny, because I just told him that I was kind of mad at him the whole time, but well I’m also kind of responsible that I was saving their legs in the preseason so that near the end of the year, we’ll be fresher.”
Capela pointed to the preseason, the team’s October trip to Japan and the fact that Houston is the oldest team in the NBA as reasons for the team’s shape.
On Wednesday, the center played close to 36 minutes, another season high. He said he felt unburdened by the workload until late in the game.
“I feel like everybody’s not there but we’re getting there,” he said.
“(Wednesday’s performance) definitely tells us where we can be but also tells us that the next game, the way we start the game has to be better.”