NBA power rankings 2012: Houston falls as shots don't

The Houston Rockets have fallen to 15th in the Week 3 SB Nation power rankings compiled by Seth Rosenthal. At 3-3 on the year, the cooling off of guard James Harden after an explosive first few games has led to the Rockets dropping three of their last four.

The Rockets were eighth in last week's power rankings.

Rosenthal writes:

It was a lot more fun when James Harden hit all his shots. Right now the Rockets are just shooting terribly and turning the ball over like it's a buttered water balloon. What do you mean you've never buttered a water balloon? How do you keep your water balloon pot pie from getting soggy?

Harden has gone for 15-of-48 shooting in his last three games, a 31 percent clip. After losing to Denver and Memphis while failing to score above 87 points, Houston finally got back on track in its last game against the Detroit Pistons.

In the standings, the Rockets sit near the bottom of what appears to be a tough Southwest Division. The San Antonio Spurs are No. 1 in Rosenthal's power rankings with the surprising Memphis Grizzlies coming in No. 3. The Dallas Mavericks are a spot in front of Houston at No. 14 and the young New Orleans Hornets aren't far behind at No. 17 with a 3-2 record this year.