Houston's defense, rebounding, and controlled pace now fuel wins, even when shots aren't falling. They've learned to thrive in the grit, not just the glory.
Here’s the thing about Houston right now: the offense doesn’t have to be perfect for them to win, and that’s not something you could’ve said earlier this season.
The Rockets don’t need to panic about scoring droughts or ugly shooting nights, even with Alperen Şengün sidelined. What they’ve built gives them margin in places that don’t show up cleanly in box scores. Defense, rebounding, pace control, and decision-making have become the backbone, and that matters when shots stop falling.
Against Phoenix, neither team shot well. Houston finished under 44-percent from the field and struggled from deep all night. The Suns weren’t exactly lighting it up either, but the difference was how Houston responded once the game flattened out. They didn’t chase rhythm. They didn’t rush possessions trying to “fix” the offense. They stayed connected.
Early in the season, a cold stretch could occasionally make the Rockets snowball. Misses would turn into bad shots, which turned into transition chances the other way. Now, when the offense stalls, the Rockets lean into stops, second chances, and patience. They make teams work for everything while waiting for the game to come back to them.
Şengün’s absence changes the shape of the offense, no question. There’s less natural flow and fewer easy late-clock solutions. But Houston isn’t trying to replace him possession-for-possession. They’re surviving by committee and buying time with effort.
This team doesn’t need to score 120 to feel comfortable anymore. They can win games in the mud, and that’s not accidental. It’s a sign they’ve learned how to stay upright when things get uncomfortable.
For the Houston Rockets, that’s real progress- and it’s why there’s no reason to panic about the offense right now.