After years of rebuilding, the Houston Rockets finally reaped the rewards of smart decisions and returned to a leading role in the Western Conference during the 2024–25 season. The team reached the playoffs for the first time since 2019–20, finishing second in the standings with a 52–30 record.<\/p>
In only his second year on the job, head coach Ime Udoka managed to turn the Texas franchise into a defensive powerhouse. The Rockets posted the fourth-best defensive rating of the regular season (110.8) and allowed the sixth-fewest points per game in the entire league (109.9).<\/p>
A key pillar of Houston’s defensive dominance was the development of Amen Thompson. The second-year guard was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team after holding opponents to just 40.7% shooting on contested attempts — the best mark among defenders who played at least ten games and defended an average of nine shots per night. He also posted an offensive rating of 107.9, the tenth-best among players averaging at least 30 minutes per game.<\/p>
Offensively, however, the Rockets showed some clear weaknesses — most notably the lack of players capable of creating their own shots. In that sense, Alperen Şengün stood out, enjoying the best season of his career with averages of 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds. The Turkish big man not only proved to be the face of the franchise but also earned his first All-Star appearance.<\/p>
Despite their talent and defensive excellence, the team ultimately fell victim to its own youth. Amid Jalen Green’s inconsistency — even though he led the team in scoring during the regular season — Houston couldn’t overcome the duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler with the Golden State Warriors, losing in seven games in the first round of the playoffs.<\/p>
Houston made all the right moves to take the next step and truly enter championship contention. The headline move of the offseason was the acquisition of Kevin Durant in a trade with the Phoenix Suns. The deal cost them Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, but the 15-time All-Star veteran arrives to address the offensive struggles the team faced in 2024.<\/p>
Naturally, adding a superstar like “KD” would already elevate the team, but the Rockets didn’t stop there.<\/p>
Another key addition was Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers. Considering Brooks’ departure, Houston brought in another wing with strong defensive traits to fill that role.<\/p>
The supporting cast was also strengthened. In the frontcourt, the Rockets brought back Steven Adams on a new deal and repatriated Clint Capela, who, despite declining production, remains an effective rim protector. In addition, Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. received contract extensions. However, VanVleet suffered a torn ACL and is expected to miss the entire season.<\/p>
With excellent additions and few departures, the Rockets are expected to compete for the NBA title in 2025–26. Above all, the very signing of Kevin Durant shows that the team intends to chase a championship as soon as next season, since he was acquired on an expiring contract and has not yet agreed to an extension.<\/p>
Alongside Durant’s arrival, Houston will also count on the continued growth of young players such as Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. to cement themselves among the favorites to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June 2026.<\/p>