The Houston Rockets are officially a problem. Sitting at 14-6 and second in the Western Conference, they just pulled off another statement win, beating the 76ers in overtime. Jalen Green dropped a season-high 41 points, showing everyone why this team can’t be slept on. They’ve won eight of their last ten games and look like a squad that’s not just here to compete—they’re here to make noise. With rumors swirling about a potential blockbuster trade before the deadline, this might just be the beginning of something special in Houston.
The Rockets’ Offense Runs Through Sengun And Its Rising Stars
If the Rockets are surprising everyone this season, it’s because of the balance they’ve struck between their young core and their evolving offensive identity. Alperen Sengun continues to anchor the team with his all-around game, putting up 18.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per night. He’s not just the go-to big man; he’s the guy who makes everything click—whether he’s scoring on rolls, dishing dimes from the elbow, or bullying his way to free throws, where he gets fouled on 12.2% of his possessions.
Sengun’s role in the pick-and-roll has been vital for the Rockets. As the roll man, he’s logging 4.5 possessions per game and producing 0.93 points per possession. His ability to read defenses and make plays out of the roll keeps defenders guessing, especially when paired with Jalen Green or Fred VanVleet. Green, who is Houston’s primary scorer at 19.4 points per game, thrives in these situations too. He’s running 8.5 pick-and-roll possessions per game as the ball handler, generating 7.4 points per game from these actions, even though his 0.87 points per possession show he’s still figuring out efficiency.
VanVleet’s impact here can’t be overlooked either. As the veteran stabilizer, he’s executing 6.2 pick-and-roll possessions per game, creating 5.3 points with his steady hand and court vision. His ability to control tempo and make smart decisions ensures the Rockets’ offense doesn’t devolve into chaos, which is key for a young team still learning how to win consistently.
Jabari Smith Jr. has also found his role within this structure, becoming a highly efficient spot-up shooter. With 35.4% of his points coming from threes and a 43% success rate from deep, Smith provides spacing that makes the pick-and-roll game more effective. Nearly 77% of his field goals are assisted, showing how well he complements the more ball-dominant players like Green and Sengun.
As a team, the Rockets are averaging 114.4 points per game, ranking 12th in the league, with an offensive rating of 112.6, good for 15th. While those numbers show a middle-of-the-pack offense, it’s the versatility and potential of this young core that make them so dangerous. They have nights where everything clicks, like their overtime win against the 76ers, and those flashes show what this team could become.
This mix of styles—Sengun’s versatility, Green’s explosiveness, and Smith’s efficiency—has made the Rockets’ offense one of the most intriguing in the league. Sure, Green’s iso-heavy game can hurt their flow at times, but when all three are clicking, it’s hard to see many teams being able to stop them. Add in VanVleet’s leadership, and the Rockets have the foundation of an offense that’s both dynamic and difficult to predict. With steady improvement, this group has all the tools to turn their promising offensive numbers into consistent wins.
The Rockets’ Suffocating Defense Is Elite
The Rockets aren’t really winning games with offense, which ranks quite average by league marks; their defense has been a major factor in their impressive start to the season. Currently ranked 5th in the league in points allowed per game (105.1), the Rockets’ ability to frustrate opposing offenses has been a pleasant surprise. Led by the intensity of Dillon Brooks and the versatility of young players like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, who are so good people started to nickname them “Terror Twins” when they share the court on defense.
Dillon Brooks has been the team’s defensive anchor. His physicality and tenacity on the perimeter have set the tone for the entire roster. Brooks is averaging 1.6 steals per game and 0.6 blocks, while consistently guarding the opposing team’s best player. His effort in denying passing lanes and forcing turnovers has been a game-changer, but more than that, his vocal leadership on defense has made him the heartbeat of this unit.
Amen Thompson, in his second season, is already making a name for himself on defense. The 6’7″ guard is averaging 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, using his length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots like his brother in Detroit. His versatility is perhaps his greatest asset—he can switch seamlessly across three or four positions, giving the Rockets a unique weapon on the perimeter. Thompson also ranks in the top 20 in the league in deflections per game, a stat that highlights his ability to make plays off the ball.
Tari Eason, on the other hand, brings a relentless energy that makes him a defensive nightmare. The third-year forward is averaging 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, but his true value lies in his hustle. Eason is second on the team in contested shots per game and ranks among the top 15 forwards in loose balls recovered. His ability to guard both wings and bigs gives the Rockets flexibility, and his motor never stops, which often frustrates opponents into mistakes.
Sengun, often seen as more of an offensive player, has also shown growth on the defensive end. While not a traditional shot-blocker, his improved positioning and awareness have allowed him to average 1.1 blocks per game. More importantly, he’s been better at contesting shots without fouling, helping to anchor the Rockets’ defense in the paint.
Overall, the Rockets are proving that defense can be their identity. They’re 7th in the league in defensive rating, allowing only 107.4 points per 100 possessions. Their ability to recover loose balls and force turnovers (ranking top 10 in both categories) shows the collective buy-in from the entire team.
With Brooks setting the tone, Thompson and Eason wreaking havoc, and Sengun holding his own inside, the Rockets have the makings of a defense that can keep them competitive against the best teams in the league. If this young squad can sustain their defensive intensity, they’re going to make a lot of noise in the West.
How The Rockets Keep Bringing The Heat With Depth
The Rockets aren’t just about big-name performances—it’s the way their starting five and bench work together that’s keeping them in the mix this season. Their core lineup of Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun has been a game-changer. They’ve got everything: scoring, defense, and versatility, which has made them a tough matchup every single night.
This group has already played 269 minutes together this season, putting up a strong +9.7 net rating. Defensively, they’re a wall with a 102.2 defensive rating, and offensively, they’re solid too with a rating of 111.8. VanVleet keeps things under control as the floor general, Brooks sets the defensive tone, Sengun runs the paint like a boss, and Green and Smith mix in athleticism and shooting to round it all out. It’s a lineup that works because everyone knows their role and plays off each other perfectly.
But let’s not forget about the bench. Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. (in some lineups) have been absolute sparks off the bench. Eason is all hustle, grabbing offensive boards and creating second-chance points. Thompson does everything—he’ll defend, push the pace, or even run the offense when needed. Their energy is contagious, and they’re a huge reason why Houston’s second units often crush opponents.
Then there are the vets like Jeff Green and Steven Adams, who are steadying forces when things get chaotic. Green brings that clutch experience and scoring punch, while Adams handles the dirty work on the boards, making sure the team doesn’t lose its edge when Sengun is catching a breather. These aren’t just filler minutes—they’re game-changing contributions that keep the Rockets competitive for 48 minutes.
What’s really impressive is how deep this team is. They’ve got the tools to adapt to different matchups, and their bench isn’t just holding things down—it’s winning games. With the trade deadline around the corner, the Rockets might decide to stick with what’s working or look to make a move that pushes them even further. Either way, this is a team that’s proving it can hang with anyone.
Could The Rockets Go Big Before The Deadline?
The Rockets have been surrounded by rumors involving superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, but those talks seem more like whispers than actual plans. According to reports, the Rockets are currently focused on building around their young core instead of making a splashy trade for a marquee name. Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. have shown enough promise that the Rockets feel confident sticking with their developmental path—for now.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name came up in speculation earlier this season when his long-term commitment to the Bucks was in question. However, it’s been reported that the Rockets are not willing to dismantle their team to acquire a superstar. Similarly, offseason chatter about Kevin Durant and Devin Booker potentially being Rockets targets never gained traction, as Houston’s front office prioritized nurturing its young roster over short-term gambles.
But as the February trade deadline creeps closer, the Rockets could still find themselves tempted to make a move. They’ve exceeded expectations so far, sitting comfortably in the playoff race, and adding the right piece could vault them into serious contender territory. The question is whether they’re willing to part with future assets or young players to chase that next step.
One reason Houston might be exploring options is their current depth and cap space. With veterans like Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet anchoring the team, the Rockets have already proved they can compete. If the opportunity to land a star arises—especially one with playoff experience—it could be the push they need to solidify their position in the Western Conference.
Names like Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Zach LaVine could enter the conversation. Butler brings two-way dominance and playoff toughness that would fit perfectly in Houston’s system. Ingram’s scoring versatility would ease the load on Green and Sengun, while LaVine’s shot-making could provide the kind of offensive boost that puts the Rockets over the top.
Whether it’s a blockbuster trade or a smaller move to add depth, the Rockets are in a strong position to be active at the deadline. They’ve been patient with their rebuild, but the momentum they’ve built this season could be enough to nudge them toward taking a calculated risk. Houston might not be in win-now mode just yet, but with the right move, they could become a legitimate dark horse in the West.
