Like many young teams in the
past, the Houston Rockets find themselves in a pivotal phase: the
leap. After years of rebuilding and roster turnover, they’ve
finally found their stride. It’s the fifth year since their
rebuilding began, and with a 15-6 record, they’re sitting second in
the Western Conference. They could be closely mirroring the rise of
the 2022 Memphis Grizzlies this early into the season. That Memphis
squad, led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., also finished second
in the West with their youthful energy catching everyone’s
attention. Now, the Rockets are replicating that energy, but the
question remains: how sustainable is this success and are they
legit contenders or just pretenders?

One of the biggest factors
behind their early-season success is the leadership of Ime Udoka,
the former Celtics coach who took over Houston. Udoka has brought a
clear identity to the team, one rooted in defense. The Rockets are
currently ranked as one of the top defensive teams in the league, a
shift from previous seasons when they were known for their
lackluster defense. Known for his defensive prowess during his time
with the Boston Celtics, Udoka has transformed the Rockets into one
of the league’s best defensive teams. 

Through 18 games, the Rockets
have posted the second-best defensive rating in the league,
allowing just 103.7 points per 100 possessions. This defensive
turnaround is due in large part to Udoka’s philosophy, which
emphasizes relentless defense, discipline, and accountability. The
Rockets have become a nightmare for opposing offenses, ranking
sixth in steals and allowing the second-fewest fast-break
points.​

Key players signed a season ago
Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks have been instrumental in this
shift. VanVleet’s playmaking and leadership at the PG position have
helped stabilize the young team, while Brooks quickly became the
team’s primary defensive disruptor. Brooks is one of the main
reasons Houston has been so effective defensively this season, and
the emergence of key contributors, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson
puts them above the notch. 

Brooks, a well-established
perimeter defender, has been at the forefront, with a defensive
rating of 98.9, the second-best among all perimeter players. His
toughness and leadership have rubbed off on the younger players.
Eason is averaging 2.2 steals per game, while Thompson, has
impressed with his defensive instincts, further solidifying the
Rockets’ defense. Together Eason and Thompson are nicknamed the
“Terror Twins” and are widely regarded as one of the most versatile
defenders in the league today. 

Additionally, Şengün’s
development has provided the Rockets with an anchor in the paint.
Sengun is averaging 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game on 53.7%
shooting​ and his ability to control the paint has been crucial.
Together with Jalen Green (18.9 points) and Fred VanVleet (16.3
points and 6.2 assists),​ they have been the driving force behind
Houston’s offensive production to create balance with their intense
defense, and their ability to sustain this performance will be
critical as the season progresses.

In terms of overall team
performance, the Rockets have displayed a more balanced attack
compared to previous seasons. They’re averaging 114.3 points per
game and shooting a solid 45.9% from the field. Although their
3-point shooting percentage (35.2%) isn’t elite, their ability to
score efficiently and disrupt opposing offenses has placed them
among the league’s top teams.

This blend of youth, defense,
and an increasingly potent offense has allowed the Rockets to
outlast tough teams in the West early into the season. Their
ability to win close games, as seen in their recent 119-116 victory
over the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlights a growing maturity in
executing in crunch-time situations.

While the 2024-2025 season has
shown plenty of promise, questions remain about the Rockets’
consistency over the long haul. Can they maintain this level of
defensive intensity throughout the season? Will the young players
continue to develop and reach new levels during the season, or will
they hit a plateau? The Rockets’ path forward is still uncertain,
but their early success under Udoka suggests they may have finally
found the winning formula. A 15-6 record places them among the
elite teams in the West, and their balanced approach on both ends
of the floor makes them a serious contender. But can they sustain
this success?

Ultimately, the Rockets are an
exciting team to watch, with a blend of youthful energy and the
structure needed to compete at a high level. With the second-best
defensive rating in the league (as of the moment) and significant
contributions from their young players, they’ve shown they can be a
threat in the Western Conference. The coaching of Ime Udoka, paired
with the growth of their core players, makes this team one to watch
for the rest of the season. But as with any young team, time will
tell if they can sustain their momentum and prove that their
early-season success is more than just a flash in the
pan.

The true test will come in the
second half of the season, where teams often face greater
challenges in adjusting to new threats. If they can continue to
build on their defensive identity and develop their offense, they
may just be the next upstart team to take over the
West.