With their most recent win, the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games and are playing outstanding basketball once again.The Golden State Warriors have suffered four defeats in the last month and it has allowed the Rockets to close the gap at the top of the Western Conference as they're now just one game behind with a 42-13 record.The arrival of Chris Paul in the summer has proven to be a huge success for Houston and he's quickly silenced the doubters who questioned how he could play alongside James Harden.They have arguably been the best backcourt duo in the league this season and their partnership has turned the Texas-based franchise into serious championship contenders.Harden is the MVP favourite at this stage and CP3 is reminding us all that he's still one of the elite point guards in the NBA.But as well as the All-Star pair, the Rockets have had valuable contributions from elsewhere too, particularly from their ever-improving center Clint Capela.The Swiss big man is enjoying his best campaign and has managed to elevate his game alongside the two superstars.After their win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, Paul was full of praise for Capela and explained just how important he is to the team.“CC is everything to our team,” said Paul in a post-game interview with NBA TV. “Me and James probably on him more than anyone else because he’s really the backbone of this team.”“Without him rolling to the basket, without him defending the paint… CC is the guy — he just continues to get better and we’re gonna continue using him.”

With the trio of Harden, Paul and Capela in the lineup, the Rockets are an incredible 26-1 this year and a legitimate case can be made that they deserve to be classed as a big three.

The 23-year-old still gets most of his points via alley-oop dunks and putbacks but he's added a soft touch around the basket too.

He has developed a dangerous pick-and-roll combination with CP and it's getting the very best out of him this year.

The fourth-year man is averaging career-highs of 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He's also shooting a career-best 65.5 percent.

His presence in the paint on both ends of the floor is crucial to Houston and it's no surprise that Paul has joined Harden and head coach Mike D'Antoni in acknowledging his importance.