We wanted a headline-worthy quote from the Houston Rockets who advanced to the Conference Semifinals on Wednesday night and we got one.
Ahead of the Rockets potential clash with the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the playoffs, Clint Capela let the media know he wants the defending champions.
"Yeah, I want...that's what I want," Capela told the media about facing the Warriors. "I want to face them.
Clint Capela says bring on the Warriors 😂#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/EgFShsHoNa
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 25, 2019
"We're going to get ready for that, we been working on it all year long so I think that if we want to be a champion we gotta beat the champion. At some point, we gotta do it right?"
In the seven-game series against the Warriors last season, Capela averaged 10.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 28.5 minutes.
With DeMarcus Cousins going down with an injury prior to the potential playoff series, Capela will likely do battle with Andrew Bogut and Kevon Loney.
However, Mike D'Antoni and the Rockets used small lineups for extended periods of time against Golden State last season in hopes of spreading the floor for James Harden and Chris Paul.
It will be interesting to see how the Rockets choice to attack the Warriors this time around should the two meet in the Conference Semis.
The Warriors still have work to do in closing out the Los Angeles Clippers, but make no mistake about Capela and the Rockets will welcome the challenge of beating the champs again if it comes to that.