From sluggish start to league's top offense, Houston's newfound cohesion and dynamic ball movement are unlocking their true potential.
The Houston Rockets have the best offense in the league right now with an offensive rating of 125.2 after two back-to-back statement wins. What’s changed since opening week?
The Rockets’ offense looks nothing like it did a week ago. Houston had a rough 0-2 start to the season and struggled to find tempo with one another- understandable with an addition like Kevin Durant to a team of young, developing players.
However, there’s been a 180, and Houston suddenly looks calm, connected, and in control. The ball movement’s cleaner and everyone seems to know their role.
In the first two games, the Rockets recorded 38 assists combined. In the last two, though, they racked up 30 or more in each match- elite numbers. That jump alone says everything about how much more in sync they are.
In his postgame interview on Wednesday night after Houston destroyed the Raptors 137-109, Jabari Smith Jr.- who put up 25 points himself- said, “...I’m loving it… We’re playing unselfish and sharing the ball,” per Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire.
Houston is better utilizing Durant, allowing him to take control when necessary and understanding when to use his off-ball play to their advantage. Alperen Şengün’s passing looks effortless, and off the bench Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard are turning defense into quick points in transition.
That big lineup that looked awkward early on suddenly works. Now, all of the Rockets are touching the ball, and they have a smooth rhythm down. The bench is bringing energy and intensity, and Udoka’s rotations finally feel like they make sense.
It’s not that everyone is suddenly shooting better- it’s that the chemistry is there now. The Rockets look confident, cohesive, and patient- like Udoka’s system is clicking. If they can reproduce those elite offensive stats on Friday, Boston’s defense is going to have their hands full.