HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets demonstrated on Wednesday night that any team facing them must prepare for a relentless battle. The Rockets forced an impressive 21 turnovers from a usually careful Golden State squad, which ranks 12th in turnover percentage. Dillon Brooks has emerged as a key emotional leader for the team, embracing a tenacious defensive approach that highlights the franchise’s significant length and versatility. Players like Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Smith Jr., and Jalen Green, who notably made a crucial game-winning defensive play, are fully embracing Ime Udoka’s demanding style of physical, hard-nosed basketball.
However, the Rockets still face challenges, particularly with their perimeter shooting. Against Golden State, they converted only six of their 27 attempts from beyond the arc, keeping them in the bottom 10 for outside shooting as of mid-December. This ongoing struggle raises questions about their offensive consistency, which could become a larger issue if not addressed.
Nonetheless, as long as the Rockets maintain their strong defensive performances and capitalize on transition opportunities, their aggressive, knockout-style play remains effective. While shooting may be a concern, the team’s commitment to defense provides a promising foundation for success moving forward.
This shows that the Rockets are on a path to solidify their identity as a gritty and competitive team. With continued focus on improving their shooting and building on their defensive strengths, there is hope for the franchise to elevate its status in the league.