Houston Rockets’ Rising Star: Durant and Sengun Propel Team into Elite Status
The current NBA season is still in its infancy, but the landscape of the standings is already taking shape. The Houston Rockets have emerged as a formidable force, consistently placing themselves within the top four seeds in the Western Conference over the past several weeks. After stumbling out of the gate with a 0-2 record, the Rockets have rebounded spectacularly, posting an impressive 13-3 run. Their offensive prowess is underscored by the league’s second-best offensive rating at 122, complemented by a solid defensive rating of 111.1.
Dominance on the Boards
Houston’s relentless pursuit of rebounds has positioned them on the verge of breaking the NBA’s all-time record for offensive rebounding percentage, currently standing at an astounding 40.5%. Under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets have deployed height-dominant lineups that maximize second-chance opportunities, leading the league in this critical statistic. To put their achievement in perspective, no team in the play-by-play era (since 1996-97) has managed to exceed 38% in a single season. This two-way success has propelled the Rockets into ESPN’s latest NBA power rankings, where they recently climbed into the top three, sitting behind only the 17-4 Detroit Pistons and the 21-1 Oklahoma City Thunder.
Resilience Amidst Setbacks
While the Rockets faced a setback with a 133-125 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday, which ended their five-game road winning streak, their recent performances remain noteworthy. In that game, Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun became the third duo this season to each score 30 points in a single outing, a testament to their offensive capabilities. This marked Durant’s sixth game scoring 30 or more points this season, while Sengun notched a career-high 14 assists. The Rockets have won eight of their last ten contests, with upcoming games against Sacramento and Phoenix on the horizon before a back-to-back in Dallas.
Durant’s Role in a Young Core
While Durant’s scoring average of 25.1 points per game is tied for the lowest since his rookie season in 2007-08, his presence is precisely what the Rockets need. His experience and skillset perfectly complement a rotation that is shining with impressive production from younger players. Houston boasts a remarkable young core that can support Durant as he plays a pivotal role in Ime Udoka’s system. Sengun, in particular, is poised for a standout season, averaging 22.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He is one of only four players in the league, alongside Nikola Jokic, Jalen Johnson, and Josh Giddey, to average at least 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as of December 3.
As the Rockets continue to build on their recent success, the combination of Durant’s veteran savvy and Sengun’s burgeoning talent positions them as a serious contender in the NBA landscape. The team’s trajectory suggests that they may not only remain competitive but could also redefine their identity as one of the league’s elite.
