The Houston Rockets are starting to prove themselves to the rest of the league as a team to take seriously.

After going 18-9 to start the season, the Rockets have played well enough for a decent sample size that has people believing in them more than ever.

Bleacher Report writer Dan Favale thinks the Rockets have arrived and are here to stay for a long time.

“Suggesting that the Rockets are here temporarily or focusing solely on what happens in the playoffs misses the mark, however. They don’t just have a top-two defense and a top-seven net rating. They have fifth. best point differential against teams that rank in the top 10 in this category. This is not a coincidence, it is an arrival. Favale writes.

The Rockets had a long run to the NBA Cup semifinals, which is a sign of what could come, but the team still has a lot to prove not only to others, but also to itself. There are still many games left in the season and the Rockets can’t rest on their laurels amid a hot start.

The Rockets will now head north of the border for their next game against rising star RJ Barrett and the Toronto Raptors. Tip-off is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. ET inside Scotiabank Arena.

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