The Houston Rockets ended their season with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, finishing with a .500 record after a successful season under first-year head coach Ime Udoka. The team’s 41 wins marked a significant improvement from the previous seasons, emphasizing the progress made in the franchise’s rebuild. The last time the Rockets finished with at least a .500 record was during the 2019-2020 season, which was also James Harden’s final full season with the team.
Despite going 2-2 in their final week, with losses to Dallas and Utah, the Rockets had an impressive 11-game winning streak that put them on the verge of playoff contention earlier in the season. The team’s defense, leadership from Fred VanVleet, and a strong performance from Alperen Sengun were key factors contributing to their success. However, a mid-season slump nearly derailed their season until the winning streak revived their playoff hopes.
Finishing 18th in net rating, 20th in offense, and 10th in defense, the Rockets will focus on maintaining their defense while improving their offense for the upcoming season. Ime Udoka’s defensive expertise, along with the talent on the roster, will be crucial in achieving this goal. The team’s priorities will now shift towards the upcoming draft, where they will have the 9th pick from the Brooklyn Nets, acquired through the James Harden trade, but may lose their own pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it does not land in the top four.
Overall, the Rockets had a season to remember with significant strides made in their rebuild. The team’s aggressive approach in free agency, bringing in veterans and young talent, paid off as they reached a .500 record after years of struggling. With coaching stability and a solid defensive foundation, the Rockets are poised to continue their upward trajectory and make further improvements in the upcoming seasons. Fans and observers alike are hopeful for a bright future for the team as they build on the success of the 2023-2024 season.
