The Houston Rockets returned to .500 last Saturday and are still on the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings when they dominated the struggling Los Angeles Lakers at the Toyota Center, 126–97. 

All-Star guard James Harden led the way for Houston exploding for 30 points that came along with three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. 

Former All-Star center Dwight Howard, whose production dipped big time this season, was his old self against his former team as he recorded a double-double 18 points with 12 rebounds, also having two assists, one steal, and two blocks. 

Howard's scoring output was matched by forward Marcus Thornton who also had 18 points coming off the bench for Houston. 

Along with Howard, the Rockets' other center Clint Capela also tallied a double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds, also listing one assist, two steals, and one rejection. 

"We've come a long way," Rockets interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said following the win, according to the Associated Press. 

Bickerstaff added, "We've got to give guys credit for accepting responsibility of where we were and accepting responsibility and putting responsibility on themselves that they had to do something to change it."

The Rockets struggled early in the 2015–16 regular season which involved the firing of former head coach Kevin McHale. Lately, though, they seem to have found their rhythm, stringing together a number of wins as they continue to climb up the standings. 

Saturday's victory gave Houston a 12–12 record and is 11.5 games behind the conference-leading Golden State Warriors who are at 24–1. 

After the home stand, the Rockets will have a three-game Western Conference road trip which begins today, Monday, when they play the Denver Nuggets. 

It will be followed by a matchup with thriving point guard Rajon Rondo and the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, and a rematch with the Lakers on Thursday this time at the Staples Center.