Rockets Roar Back with Dominant Rebounding Performance Against Kings
The Houston Rockets returned to their home court on Wednesday night, eager to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Utah Jazz earlier in the week. Facing a Sacramento Kings team struggling to find its footing, the Rockets aimed to capitalize on their strengths and reclaim their rhythm.
A Slow Start Turns Around
The game began slowly for the Rockets, who found themselves trailing for much of the first half. They struggled to establish any significant separation from the Kings and entered halftime down by a point. Shooting woes hampered their efforts, leaving them unable to find a consistent pace or flow.
However, the Rockets showcased an undeniable strength in rebounding—a facet of the game where they have shone brightly over the past two seasons. Despite their shooting struggles, their relentless pursuit of the boards kept them competitive.
Third Quarter Surge
The tide began to turn in the third quarter as the Rockets found their shooting touch while continuing to assert their dominance on the glass. They outscored the Kings 36-19 during this pivotal period, taking control of the game and ultimately securing a comfortable 121-95 victory. This win marked the seventh time this season that the Rockets defeated an opponent by 20 or more points, underscoring their growing prowess.
Historic Rebounding Numbers
The Rockets’ rebounding efforts were nothing short of historic. They outrebounded the Kings by an astonishing 30 boards—a feat they have accomplished twice this season alone. To put this achievement into perspective, between 1984 and 2024, the Rockets managed to achieve a 30-rebound advantage over an opponent just once. Currently, the Rockets lead the NBA with an impressive average of 61.5 rebounds per game, nearly five rebounds ahead of the second-place Detroit Pistons. They also lead the league in offensive rebounding, averaging 16.6 per game, a mark that no other team has surpassed in the past 22 seasons.
The Steven Adams Effect
At the heart of this rebounding revolution is Steven Adams, whose presence on the floor has transformed the Rockets’ ability to control the glass. Averaging 4.9 rebounds in just 21 minutes of play this season, Adams is on track for one of the best offensive rebounding seasons of his career. His impact is felt wherever he plays, having been a key contributor to the success of three franchises that recorded some of the best rebounding seasons in their histories.
Yet, the rebounding efforts extend beyond Adams. Players like Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard have all contributed to the Rockets’ historic rebounding performance, playing a significant role in their impressive 14-5 start to the season. The Rockets are not just winning games; they are rewriting the record books with every rebound collected.
