Why the Houston Rockets are a Real West Threat
How did the Houston Rockets turn a 52-win, defense-first squad into a real Western Conference power? This deep dive breaks down the blueprint: the Kevin Durant trade (late-clock shotmaking and gravity), Alperen Sengun’s hub offense, and Amen Thompson’s two-way leap. We map how Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr. fit around KD/Sengun, why double-big looks with Steven Adams and Clint Capela tilt the possession game, and how Ime Udoka’s identity—defense, rebounding, and simplicity—translates in May and June. We also examine the one soft spot (backup guard: Reed Sheppard/Aaron Holiday), playoff rotations, and the remaining asset war chest that keeps Houston flexible.
What you’ll learn:
• Why KD fixes Houston’s half-court problem
• Sengun–Durant actions that generate clean looks
• Amen’s role as an advantage finisher and defender
• The value of double-big lineups and elite rebounding
• Risks (health, shooting variance, bench PG) and counters
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4 Comments
Are the Rockets the 2º BEST team in the west?
Bro Amen Thompson is CRAZYYYYY!!! He might get injuries with such movememts 😢
W vid, you’re truly underrated 🫵🏾💕
For the offensive problem, lack of shooting abilities is one thing, but most ppl didn't see was that Ime and his crews has no half court offensive gameplan.
You said that they tend to do some hero ball during the playoff series, but in reality, it was a major problem since Ime came. Ime has no half court offense, at least no weak side action in his book. So most they did was simply "give the ball to Alpi/Fred/Jalen, and let him cook."
Heck, we may also say that it is a 4 years old problem, since Silas also didn't give any gameplan during his time.
We need some good offensive assistant coaches to cover Ime's weakness.