The Rockets’ rousing offensive start to the season relies on an unorthodox approach, at least in terms of the present-day NBA.
Houston dominated the Sacramento Kings 121-95 on Wednesday in the first of back-to-back home games, which also includes a visit from the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Despite only scoring eight points from the Kings’ 13 turnovers, the Rockets delivered 30 fast-break points by taking advantage of every chance to push the pace, which is unusual for a team that prefers to focus on inside play.
“We’re not a huge running team as far as … in transition and fast-break points, but we do want to mix it up in the halfcourt,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “Amen (Thompson) does his thing, and we’ve got some runners, but overall, we want to execute in the halfcourt.”
Such a fine-tuned approach to halfcourt execution has the Rockets ranked second in the league in offensive rating. While the Rockets attempt the fewest 3-pointers in the NBA (30.3 per game), their 3-point percentage (39.7%) is third overall.
Running the offense through center Alperen Sengun and wing Kevin Durant has yielded exceptional efficiency. And when opposing defenses scramble to collapse the paint, the Rockets have cashed in on open perimeter looks.
Houston was opportunistic in other ways against the Kings, who missed 24 of 34 3-pointers and surrendered a minus-30 rebounding margin.
“Nowadays, in the league, a lot of teams are shooting deep 3s, long 3s, and if we get our hands on those rebounds and push, (we can have success),” Durant said. “It’s a jump-shooting league, so a lot of long rebounds can lead to fast-break opportunities.
“Even if it’s not a turnover, we still want to get the ball up the floor and try to get an easy basket. Thirty fast-break points, that’s the name of the game.”
The Suns ended a streak of three losses in four games by dominating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-108 on Monday. Phoenix has steadily built a reputation as a tough team, led by Dillon Brooks’ gritty style and Devin Booker’s steady leadership by example.
The Suns were without center Mark Williams in their 22-point home loss to the Rockets on Nov. 24. Williams is averaging 12.9 points and a team-high nine rebounds, and his presence should help offset the Rockets’ usual advantage on the glass.
Additionally, with three days off between games, the Suns are hopeful that refreshed bodies and minds will pay dividends in Houston.
What has been present is a collaborative approach to physical play with favorable results.
“What we all hope and dream for as coaches is to come in every day and have a competitive, fun, together group,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “And that’s what we’re building toward. We haven’t had a ton of practice, just to be here in our facility, or days in between games. So this stretch has been good for that.
“Overall, we’re in a good place, but we know there’s a lot of work to do.”
