Houston Rockets’ Winning Strategy Play like ‘junk’

The Houston Rockets are emerging as one of the NBA’s most perplexing success stories this season. Despite an offense still finding its footing, their defensive grit has catapulted them into contention. Head coach Ime Udoka succinctly describes the team’s ethos:

“We’re a deep, athletic, physical team. That’s what we’re trying to build,” Udoka said. “Been good on the defensive end, defensive-minded, like to junk it up, be aggressive on that end.”

However, Udoka was quick to admit that offensively, the Rockets are “a work in progress.”

Defense First: The Rockets’ Core Identity

Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s defensive commitment. “It takes a lot of energy and focus, especially for a young group,” VanVleet said. “When we’re locked in on defense, it usually bodes well for us.”

The Rockets’ defensive intensity has been on full display during their NBA Cup run, including a scrappy 91-90 victory over the Golden State Warriors. In that game, Houston held Golden State to just four points in the final minutes, showcasing their defensive prowess despite a struggling offense.

Offense: A Lingering Challenge

The Rockets’ offensive struggles came to the forefront during their NBA Cup semifinal loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-96. Both teams leaned heavily on their defensive strength in the first half, combining for just 83 points. However, the Thunder’s offensive brilliance ultimately tipped the scales.

VanVleet summarized the game’s dynamics:

“If you’re not going to make shots against a team like that, it just gradually gets tougher to score. That lack of scoring puts pressure on your defense, and it just kind of compounds things.”

By the Numbers: A Tale of Two Sides

While the Rockets boast the league’s fifth-best record and seventh-best net rating, their offensive numbers tell a different story:

• 18th in offensive rating after their recent loss.
• Second-worst field-goal percentage in the NBA.
• Third-worst three-point percentage and fifth-worst free-throw percentage.

Even Houston’s leading scorer, Jalen Green, averages a modest 19 points per game, ranking 40th in the league.

The Bigger Picture: Is Defense Enough?

While the adage “defense wins championships” still holds weight, the modern NBA often demands elite offensive capabilities to secure titles. History suggests the Rockets’ current formula may not suffice. Since 2010, only one team with an offense ranked outside the top 11 — the 2022 Warriors — has won a championship, and that team had a generational offensive talent in Stephen Curry.

Houston lacks a similarly transcendent scorer, and while center Alperen Sengun shows promise, the team may struggle without a true offensive superstar.

Looking Ahead

Fred VanVleet acknowledged the need for offensive growth, stating:

“We have to figure it out. We have to be better offensively.”

While the Rockets’ defense keeps them competitive, their offensive limitations remain a significant hurdle. If Houston hopes to elevate from a defensive powerhouse to a true championship contender, finding solutions on offense will be imperative.

For now, the Rockets will continue to embrace their rugged, defensive identity — one that has already defied expectations this season.