How The Rockets Became One Of The NBA’s BEST Defensive Teams (Part 3)

How The Rockets Became One Of The NBA’s BEST Defensive Teams (Part 3)

Still not impressed? All right, watch this. The Thunder run a crafty offball screen to create a switch, putting Jaylen on Shay. For most defenders, that’s game over. SGA is a master at drawing fouls, getting downhill, and living at the line. But again, Jaylen doesn’t panic. He mirrors every move, slides with precision, stays composed, and shuts the drive down. No foul, no breakdown. Just another tough, contested fadeaway that ends up being a miss. But let’s not forget this is the so-called weakest defender in the Rockets starting five.

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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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.

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