Rockets’ Shocking Surge to NBA Title Contender Status – No Fluke!

Following the Houston Rockets’ commanding 13-point victory against the Orlando Magic on Monday, Steven Adams made a poignant observation with the season three-quarters completed. “This,” Adams declared, “is no accident.” The this he referred to could be the team’s resilience in overcoming the absence of starters Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson to secure a win, or perhaps the Rockets’ impressive tally of 41 victories, equalling their previous season’s record. It might also refer to their best winning percentage (62.1%) since the days of coach Mike D’Antoni, or their potential return to the playoffs as a top six team in the Western Conference after missing out since 2020.

“We have evolved significantly from the beginning of the season to now,” Adams added.

Indeed, just two years ago, the Rockets were in dire straits. The team lacked talent and cohesion. Finishing the 2022–23 season with a record of 22–60 might seem dismal, but it was the best outcome under Stephen Silas’s three-year tenure.

I initially criticized the firing of Silas, believing he was unfairly blamed. Tasked with leading a team originally built around James Harden and John Wall, Silas faced an uphill battle managing a roster featuring Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood. I viewed his dismissal as unfairly making him a scapegoat.

Since then, the Rockets have staged an impressive turnaround. Under the guidance of new coach Ime Udoka and through strategic acquisitions such as drafting Thompson and bringing in seasoned players like VanVleet, Adams, and Dillon Brooks, the team has transformed. They achieved a .500 record last season and currently boast the league’s third-best defense according to NBA.com. Their defensive prowess was on full display in a recent win against the Phoenix Suns, where they held star Kevin Durant to just 19 points.

Make no mistake: Houston is a genuine contender. While their offense ranks 15th in efficiency, it usually complements their stellar defense well enough. Despite being outshot by Phoenix, Houston’s record is strong when they score over 110 points. They excel in clutch situations, boasting significant wins when leading into the fourth quarter or in tightly contested games.

Last week, I spoke with Udoka about this season’s unexpected success. The Rockets had shown signs of potential last year, and natural progression from young talents like Thompson, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith was anticipated to add some wins. But aiming for a top-four seed was somewhat unexpected.

“We knew we were poised for improvement,” Udoka stated. “Last season laid a competitive foundation, changing how opposing teams perceived us. This year, it’s clearly about making the playoffs.

“We hold our players to high standards. From my first press conference, I emphasized that youth is no excuse for repetitive mistakes. We expect our players to be smart, learn, and improve,” Udoka explained.

General Manager Rafael Stone has been more cautious in his expectations, focusing on the team’s hard work and continuous improvement rather than setting specific performance targets.

“Honestly, I try not to set specific expectations,” Stone remarked. “I have great belief in our squad’s talent and work ethic, though we are admittedly young. For me, it’s more about seeing continuous improvement and effort from everyone involved.”

The team has indeed shown growth. Thompson has emerged as a formidable defender, Brooks remains a consistent threat from beyond the arc, Sengun is developing a game similar to Nikola Jokic’s, and Green is becoming the clutch scorer Houston needs.

“I’m not surprised by the progress any of them have made,” Udoka commented. “Seeing Alpy step up defensively was a highlight, and the late-season surges by Jabari and Jalen were pivotal. Amen’s consistency when he got regular play was key too. If you have talent and leadership, it shows, regardless of age.”

What’s the limit for the Rockets? They’ve been meticulously drafting and developing, and now they’re poised to make a playoff appearance. While conventional wisdom might suggest a tough postseason ahead against more experienced teams,

Udoka believes the presence of seasoned players like Brooks and Adams, along with VanVleet’s championship experience, could make a significant difference. He is confident in building on their regular-season success against top teams like the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. For Udoka, youth is no barrier to playoff success.

“We’ve proven our capability against the best, consistently,” Udoka asserted. “We understand that everything intensifies in the playoffs, but I believe in this team’s depth and experience, having been part of excellent teams before.”

That’s the Houston Rockets for you. Exceptionally good and definitely not a fluke.