The Houston Rockets are experiencing a resurgence, riding a three-game winning streak that has propelled them to a 25-12 record, firmly securing the second seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Their recent victories include a thrilling 119-115 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers, a dominant 135-112 rout of the struggling Washington Wizards, and a crucial 119-115 road win against the Memphis Grizzlies, a team vying for the same playoff positioning. This impressive run has been achieved despite the absence of starting power forward Jabari Smith Jr., who is currently sidelined with a non-shooting hand injury. This week presents a challenging schedule for the Rockets, beginning with a home game against the Grizzlies, who will undoubtedly be seeking revenge. This is followed by a tough road trip, featuring matchups against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, the surging Sacramento Kings, who boast a six-game winning streak, and finally, the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Rockets’ recent success has been underpinned by a significant improvement in their overall performance. Their net rating stands at an impressive +6.2, fifth best in the league, reflecting their ability to outscore opponents consistently. Their defensive rating of 107.0, third best in the league, highlights their commitment to stopping opponents. Furthermore, their offensive rating has climbed to 113.2, placing them eleventh in the league, a marked improvement from their earlier struggles in this area. This offensive upswing coincides with the recent hot streak of shooting guard Jalen Green, suggesting a potential correlation between his individual performance and the team’s overall offensive output.
Jalen Green, the second overall pick in his respective draft, has historically been a streaky player, showcasing flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of inconsistency. Currently, he is experiencing one of his high-performance stretches, leaving Rockets fans hopeful that this marks a turning point in his development towards becoming a more reliable and consistent scorer. Averaging 20.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on the season, Green’s recent four-game stretch has been particularly impressive. He has averaged 29.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 48.9% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc on a high volume of attempts. Notably, this surge in productivity has come against formidable opponents, including the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies, further enhancing the significance of his performance.
The timing of Green’s resurgence aligns with the insertion of Amen Thompson into the starting lineup, replacing the injured Jabari Smith Jr. This has led to speculation that Thompson’s presence positively impacts Green’s performance, potentially providing him with more space on the floor or creating more favorable matchups. The contrast between Green’s recent hot streak and his performance in the preceding five games, where he averaged 18.2 points on lower shooting percentages, underscores the dramatic shift in his effectiveness. The Rockets are hopeful that this sustained level of performance indicates a permanent improvement rather than another temporary hot streak.
The Rockets’ improved performance and Green’s resurgence have implications for the upcoming trade deadline. Previously linked to star guard De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, the Rockets may be less inclined to pursue a major trade if Green continues to perform at this level. With their current trajectory, retaining Green and focusing on internal development appears to be a viable and increasingly attractive option. The Rockets’ success also raises the stakes in their upcoming games, particularly against the Sacramento Kings, a team also experiencing a surge in performance. This matchup could serve as a litmus test for both teams and potentially influence their respective strategies leading up to the trade deadline.
The Rockets’ current situation presents an intriguing dilemma. On one hand, trading for a proven star like De’Aaron Fox offers the potential for immediate improvement and elevates their ceiling as a contender. However, it would also come at a significant cost, potentially involving valuable assets and disrupting the team’s existing chemistry. On the other hand, continuing with the current roster and prioritizing internal development, especially with Green’s recent progress, represents a more patient and cost-effective approach. This strategy relies on the continued development of young players like Green and Thompson, and the hope that their improved play translates into sustained team success.
The decision facing the Rockets’ management hinges on a careful evaluation of Green’s long-term potential. If they believe his recent performance is sustainable and indicative of his future trajectory, then retaining him and building around him becomes the more prudent course of action. However, if they view his hot streak as another temporary surge, then pursuing a trade for a more established star like Fox might be the more appealing option. The upcoming games, especially against tough competition like the Grizzlies, Nuggets, and Kings, will be crucial in providing further evidence and informing the Rockets’ decision-making process as the trade deadline approaches. The balance between immediate impact and long-term potential is a delicate one, and the Rockets must carefully weigh their options to maximize their chances of sustained success.
