Houston Rockets’ Free-Throw Dominance Ignites Surprising Season Turnaround
The Houston Rockets have set a compelling tone to begin the NBA season, showcasing a level of play that has taken many by surprise. Currently positioned among the top five teams in scoring, they rank third in points per game, a significant leap from their previous mid-tier performance. Their offensive prowess extends to a top-five ranking in offensive rating, but perhaps the most eye-catching statistic is their standing as the league’s premier three-point shooting team.
Rebounding and Winning Streak
In addition to their scoring success, the Rockets continue to assert themselves on the boards, maintaining a reputation as one of the best rebounding teams in the league. Through their first nine games, they trail only the Indiana Pacers by a mere 0.3 rebounds per game. This strong performance on the glass has contributed to their recent surge, with the Rockets winning six of their last seven games. As the season unfolds, it’s clear that the team is developing chemistry and cohesion on the court.
Free-Throw Line as a Strategic Weapon
One of the most striking improvements for the Rockets this season is their effectiveness at the free-throw line. Leveraging their aggressive style of play and ability to crash the offensive boards, they rank third in the league with an impressive average of 29.3 free-throw attempts per game. Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant stand out within this dynamic. Sengun leads the charge with a career-high 7.8 attempts per game, a testament to opposing teams’ recognition that fouling him is often preferable to allowing easy baskets in the paint.
Durant’s presence also cannot be understated; he contributes significantly with an average of 7.9 rebounds per game, his highest since the 2013-14 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This combination of rebounding and scoring from the free-throw line has proven pivotal in the Rockets’ recent success.
Defensive Discipline and Aggression
On the defensive end, the Rockets are making notable strides as well. They rank in the top five for fouls committed per game and, consequently, in the number of free-throw attempts faced by opponents. This statistic is particularly remarkable given the team’s reputation as one of the most aggressive defensive units in the league since Ime Udoka took the reins in 2023.
A strategic shift to zone defense, more than any other team in the NBA, has allowed the Rockets to maintain defensive discipline. They have effectively avoided being out of position and have minimized unnecessary risks. While some may speculate that their defensive effectiveness has waned, the data tells a different story—the Rockets remain in the top ten for defensive rating.
Improved Free-Throw Efficiency
Moreover, the Rockets’ free-throw shooting has dramatically improved compared to last season, where they ranked last in the league. This year, they sit at 16th, marking a significant turnaround. Impressively, they are the only team positioned in the top five for both lowest opponent free-throw attempts per game and their own free-throw attempts per game.
This newfound efficiency has played an integral role in the Rockets’ recent winning streak, and it appears poised to continue serving as a strategic asset as the season progresses. The combination of offensive rebounding, free-throw success, and disciplined defense has set the stage for a Rockets team that is not just competing but thriving in the early part of the season.
