Houston Rockets make waves with strong start, Kevin Durant shines at 37
The landscape of the NBA is ever-evolving, with teams vying for supremacy in a league where the Oklahoma City Thunder currently stand as the gold standard. With an impressive 24-1 record, the Thunder are the team to beat. Yet, amidst the bustling competition, the Houston Rockets have emerged as serious contenders, positioning themselves prominently in the title conversation.
Rockets rise in the Western Conference
As they navigate through a competitive Western Conference, the Rockets have made significant strides that could pave the way for a deep postseason run in 2026. Currently sitting at 15-6, Houston ranks third in the West and is on track to secure a playoff spot, aiming for a season record that mirrors last year’s success of 52-30. Their performance has not gone unnoticed, with early-season evaluations from analysts like Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, who awarded the Rockets an impressive A grade.
Kevin Durant leads the charge
A pivotal factor in Houston’s resurgence has been the acquisition of Kevin Durant, who continues to defy age with his exceptional play. At 37, Durant has not only asserted himself as the offensive linchpin but also demonstrated that he can still lead a team effectively. His influence has been significant, complemented by the remarkable development of young talents, including Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard, all of whom are enjoying career-best scoring averages this season.
Defensive prowess and rebounding dominance
On the defensive end, the Rockets have maintained the elite form that characterized their previous campaign. Their net rating stands as the second-best in the NBA at plus-10.8, suggesting that they may indeed be better than their record indicates. Notably, Tari Eason has taken the league by storm, leading in three-point shooting with a stellar 50.9% accuracy. Additionally, Steven Adams has made his presence felt on the boards, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds per game at 4.8, even while averaging just under 22 minutes per game.
A new era of playmaking
With veteran Fred VanVleet sidelined, the Rockets’ offense has adapted remarkably under head coach Ime Udoka’s innovative approach. The committee of point guards, including Sheppard, Josh Okogie, and Aaron Holiday, have stepped up, seamlessly integrating their skills to fill the void left by VanVleet. Sheppard, in particular, has excelled in his second year, boasting averages of 13 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals, with shooting splits of 48-45-71.
As the Rockets continue to build momentum, their blend of seasoned leadership and youthful exuberance could make them a formidable force in the league, challenging for both playoff positioning and the ultimate goal of an NBA championship.
