How The Rockets Became One Of The NBA’s BEST Defensive Teams (Part 5)
Jabari is left on an island one-on-one with Anthony Edwards in an ISO set. But watch closely. The real beauty lies in what the other four Rockets defenders are doing. They’re positioned masterfully, cutting off every possible driving lane Edwards might try to exploit if he gets past Jabari. At the same time, there’s space just right to recover to their original matchups if Edwards dishes it out. As the play unfolds, Jabari makes a smart decision. He doesn’t reach, doesn’t foul. He funnels Edwards to the help, trusting his teammates to have his back, and they absolutely do. Dylan Brooks is already there, perfectly timed, stepping in to seal off the lane and forcing Edwards to retreat dribble. But here’s where it gets really impressive. The three defenders on the strong side execute a silent, seamless switch, never giving Edwards a clean look or an open passing lane. The rocket’s defense doesn’t just rotate.
How The Rockets Became One Of The NBA’s BEST Defensive Teams!
Jalen Green has quietly emerged as one of the most improved defenders in the NBA—despite being labeled a defensive liability earlier this season. Once the weak link in Houston’s starting five, Green is now holding his own against elite scorers like Jalen Williams, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in pure isolation scenarios.
Yet, despite his growth, opposing offenses still try to hunt mismatches by targeting him—only to find out he’s no longer the easy bucket they expected. What if Jalen’s defensive rise isn’t just a fluke, but the foundation of something bigger? Could this version of Green help anchor a young Rockets team already brimming with elite defenders?
In this breakdown, we’ll take a closer look at the film—showcasing Green’s footwork, discipline, and ability to stay in front of top-tier scorers without fouling. We’ll also explore how Houston’s defensive system, built by Ime Udoka, has elevated not just Jalen, but the entire roster. From Ahmen Thompson locking up Luka and Steph, to Alperen Şengün evolving into a legitimate rim deterrent, the Rockets are shaping into a defensive powerhouse.
With a wing trio of Thompson, Eason, and Brooks wreaking havoc on the perimeter—and Şengün protecting the paint—Houston’s defense is becoming one of the most versatile and disciplined in the league. And as the playoffs approach, they’re not just a fun young team anymore—they’re a real threat in the West.
Could this defensive identity power a deep postseason run? Let’s dive in.
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