Rockets’ Disappointing Performance
HOUSTON — Following a disappointing performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Rockets coach Ime Udoka expressed his frustration after witnessing a series of critical errors that led to a decisive 111-91 loss for his team. As the Thunder capitalized on Houston’s defensive lapses by sinking three consecutive three-pointers in a brief stretch during the early fourth quarter, Udoka confronted second-year player Reed Sheppard directly, who had been responsible for two of those defensive breakdowns. The confrontation underscored more than just a moment of anger; it highlighted the growing divide between the struggling Rockets and their opponents, showcasing the fine line for success in the fiercely competitive NBA.
Coach’s Urgency and Team’s Struggles
“Every game matters for us and we haven’t been playing our best,” Udoka stated after the game.
His frustration reflected the urgency of the situation, echoing the belief that adjustments may be necessary as the February trade deadline approaches. Notably, the Rockets had been holding strong in the playoff picture just a month ago with a 15-5 record, but have since stumbled to an 8-10 record, losing five out of their last seven games.
Offensive Struggles
On the offensive side of the ball, the game displayed alarming signs of Houston’s struggles. Despite having top talent like Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, the team struggled significantly against Oklahoma City’s defense. The Thunder’s strategy targeted Durant, limiting his scoring to just 19 points on 23 shooting attempts, while Şengün posted 14 points on 15 shots.
“I felt like I missed some good shots to be honest,” Durant remarked, admitting to a lack of focus on his shooting.
The Rockets’ overall shooting was lackluster, hitting only 29 percent from three-point range and 33 percent from the field, while failing to effectively capitalize on their offensive rebounding advantage that accounted for 25 points from 23 offensive boards.
Concerns About Team Depth
These persistent issues have raised concerns about the team’s depth and the impact of inconsistent performance, particularly in playmaking. Houston began the season with a collaborative playmaking approach, hoping increased responsibilities would allow players like Şengün, Thompson, and Sheppard to thrive. However, the absence of point guard Fred VanVleet has proven more detrimental than anticipated, forcing Udoka to experiment with substitute players like JD Davison. Nevertheless, these adjustments have yet to show meaningful improvements.
Trade Market Considerations
Despite having numerous conversations with other teams about potential trades, the Rockets’ management has remained tentative about making major roster changes, signaling a reluctance to heavily engage in the trade market at this time. While they have explored options involving players like Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela, nothing has progressed into serious negotiations. With a limited salary cap situation, highlighted by being hard-capped at the first apron, Houston finds itself restricted in pursuing high-profile additions but is open to trade discussions, particularly regarding their nine future first-round picks and several second-round selections.
Looking Ahead
As the Rockets sit precariously in sixth place and on the verge of slipping into Play-In territory, their opportunity for improvement may hinge on proactive decision-making in the lead-up to the trade deadline. Should the team continue its downward trend, significant alterations to the roster could become not just a possibility but a necessity. Whatever deals might be on the table, it is clear that the current iteration of the Rockets lacks the necessary components to contend at the highest levels and might benefit from reinforcements soon.
