As the calendar flips into the heart of the NBA season, the Houston Rockets are firmly in the Western Conference mix. Through 34 games, Houston sits with a 22-12 record, good for 6th place in the West and 2nd in the Southwest Division — a noteworthy position for a team that only a season ago was deep in rebuild mode.
Under head coach Ime Udoka’s continued leadership, the Rockets have balanced a top-tier offense with respectable defensive metrics. Houston’s offensive rating ranks among the league’s best, and the team has shown a knack for high-efficiency scoring — particularly in clutch moments and against tough opponents.
What’s striking is how the Rockets blend pace and precision. Despite ranking near the bottom in pace, Houston’s offensive execution — fueled by a mixture of unselfish ball movement and elite shot creation — has kept it among the NBA’s most potent scoring units.
The biggest storyline this season — both for Houston and the NBA — has been Kevin Durant. Now playing his first season as a Rocket, Durant has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging well over 25 points per game and consistently carrying the Rockets in tight spots.
Durant is also closing in on a monumental personal milestone: surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for 7th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Just a handful of points separate him from that achievement, and it underscores how even in his 17th season, KD remains a premier scorer in the league.
His veteran scoring was on full display in a recent memorable win over the Phoenix Suns, where he hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to seal a 100-97 victory. That clutch shot perfectly encapsulated what Houston gets from its future Hall of Famer: elite scoring ability meshed with competitive toughness.
While Durant is the engine, the Rockets’ promise lies in balance.
Amen Thompson has emerged as a multifaceted young contributor, regularly filling up the stat sheet with scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.
Jabari Smith Jr. Continues to develop as a versatile forward capable of spacing the floor and guarding multiple positions.
Tari Eason has provided grit, rebounding, and defensive energy — highlighted by a monster 15-point, 13-rebound night in a narrow loss to Portland.
The recent addition of two-way contract player Tristen Newton reflects Houston’s commitment to developing depth and unearthing potential from the G League pipeline.
Despite overall success, the Rockets do face areas that need attention. One persistent issue has been inconsistency from open perimeter shots among role players — a surprising wrinkle for a team that ranks high in offensive rating. Players like Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason have struggled at times from three, limiting Houston’s spacing and sometimes forcing overreliance on isolation possessions.
Balancing Durant’s scoring load with improved secondary shooting efficiency remains a key focus as the Rockets look to sustain their standing and climb further up the standings.
With a strong January slate — including key home dates against New Orleans, San Antonio, and Dallas, plus road tests in Philadelphia and Atlanta — Houston’s positioning could tighten or expand rapidly.
Staying above the Western Conference playoff line will be crucial, especially with the competitive parity throughout the West. If the Rockets continue to leverage their defensive improvement and offensive firepower, they’ll be in the mix not just for the postseason, but for seeding that could meaningfully influence a deep playoff run.
The Rockets’ rapid ascent from rebuild to contender is one of the NBA’s more compelling stories this season. Fueled by a superstar acquisition, a promising young core, and a coach with a clear identity, Houston looks like a legitimate threat in one of basketball’s toughest conferences.
At 22-12, the Rockets are not just surviving — they’re thriving, blending veteran savvy with youthful energy and strategic cohesion. With milestones, matchups, and meaningful wins on the horizon, the story of Houston’s 2025-26 season is just beginning.