The Houston Rockets were tied for the worst record in the Western Conference a season ago. But at 5-3 early in the 2023-24 season, they would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, and their five-game winning streak is tied for longest in the West.
So, how are they doing it? New coach Ime Udoka is one big factor, as are offseason veteran additions like Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, and Fred VanVleet. Beyond bringing defense and stability, VanVleet also had a personal 8-0 run in the final 80 seconds of Friday’s thrilling win over the Pelicans, which flipped a 5-point Houston deficit with just over a minute remaining into a 3-point win.
Perhaps in large part due to that veteran leadership, third-year prospects Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have also stepped up, with Sengun posting 24 points (73.3% FG) and 8 rebounds in a strong outing versus veteran New Orleans big man Jonas Valančiūnas.
With full videos courtesy of Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets, here’s what several of those individuals had to say from Toyota Center following Friday’s epic finish. Next up for Houston, as it looks to close out its seven-game homestand with six straight wins, is another in-season tournament clash on Sunday night versus reigning NBA champion Denver. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. Central.
Ime Udoka Nov. 10 postgame
"We wanted to switch Dillon over to to Ingram, and we liked Jeff's defensive intensity on (Williamson), his focus, attention to detail. Even in the 1st half when Zion kept getting back to his left hand, we wanted to shade him right. Jeff was the guy that came in and slowed him." https://t.co/ho9KJL32B2
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 11, 2023
Ime Udoka says Alperen Sengun has been getter better defensively game by game. "He's a gifted offensive guy that's bought in on (the defensive) end and it's made a huge difference for our team." pic.twitter.com/HtIqExS9xD
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) November 11, 2023
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said it’s “almost more satisfying” to win a close battle like they did tonight than via a blowout. Udoka said while it wasn’t the smartest game the Rockets played, he appreciated the effort that ultimately helped them seal the win late.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) November 11, 2023
#Rockets coach Ime Udoka on Fred VanVleet’s play down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/tj9pjwsGXo
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) November 11, 2023
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet: "We didn't play worth a damn tonight. But man, we stuck in there. We kept fighting, showed a little bit of resilience. We got a lot of things we can work on going forward."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) November 11, 2023
VanVleet: "These are way more fulfilling than the blowouts. Just having to work for it, having to grind it out. Being up and down, having ejections technical fouls, foul trouble, bad shooting. This game had it all tonight, & we were able to stay resilient and come up with a win."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 11, 2023
Leadership shines in high-pressure moments. @FredVanVleet had two three-pointers & made his free throws down the stretch.
Here’s FVV after the in-season tournament win over the Pelicans. @HoustonRockets @SpaceCityHN pic.twitter.com/sgOfyUJSkn
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) November 11, 2023
Alperen Sengun Nov. 10 postgame
More Alperen Sengun: "We can't be lazy. We can't be like last year. Last year was ok, we were ok, but right now (the veterans and Ime Udoka) are on our minds, and that keeps us awake."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 11, 2023
Alperen Sengun: "For me and Jalen- Fred and Jeff and Dillon are on our ass."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 11, 2023
Sengun: "Maybe that gives me more energy (for the end of the game) because he was telling me 'we need you, come on'. He's (in) my mind. When I'm on the court I'm thinking that they need me, I need to fight, come on." https://t.co/Wi47jeb1Sl
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 11, 2023
Dillon Brooks Nov. 10 postgame
Ime Udoka and Dillon Brooks echoed the Jerry Sloan saying that the officials can't call every foul so they continued to be aggressive at the defensive end, even after Brooks picked up his fifth
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 11, 2023
Asked Dillon Brooks about Alperen Sengun’s defense tonight:
“That motivation. He’s showing it every single game. Playing through injury. Finding ways to make plays on the defensive end. Putting his body on the line.”
📺 https://t.co/RK2sD8ena7 pic.twitter.com/OT2UolOynJ
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) November 11, 2023
