The Houston Rockets have found a reliable source of energy in Josh Okogie, who has played a pivotal role in transforming the team’s fortunes early in the season. After starting the year with two losses, head coach Ime Udoka made the crucial decision to replace Steven Adams in the starting lineup with Okogie, a change that has since propelled the Rockets to an impressive 5-0 streak.
Okogie, who was initially seen as a complementary player alongside Kevin Durant, has emerged as a key contributor, leading the Rockets to an offensive transformation. Houston now boasts the top offensive rating in the league, scoring over 110 points in each of their past five games with an average victory margin of 19.2 points. Notably, all of the starters have consistently finished games in double digits, and team assists have increased by ten per game since Okogie’s inclusion in the starting five.
In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, when the team needed a lift during a challenging third quarter, Okogie stepped up, sinking three straight three-pointers to widen the lead significantly. His sharpshooting has exemplified his role as a “three-and-D” player, a label he is living up to by making a remarkable 52% of his three-point attempts this season.
His chemistry with Durant, forged during their previous two seasons together with the Phoenix Suns, has proven advantageous. Durant highlighted Okogie’s competitive nature and understanding of his role, noting, “I know Josh like the back of my hand. He is a hard-nosed, pick-you-up 94-feet type of guy.” With Okogie’s contributions, both Durant and other team members, like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, have elevated their own performances, further solidifying the Rockets’ current success.
Originally signed to a one-year deal with little fanfare, Okogie has now become an integral part of the Rockets’ lineup and a crucial element in their five-game winning streak. His emergence not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the positive impact that a star player like Durant can have on the roster. As the Rockets continue to build momentum, Okogie looks poised to remain a central figure in their pursuit of success this season.