When the Phoenix Suns (19-4) lost at Golden State (19-3) on Friday night, the result didn’t initially appear to mean much for the Rockets. After all, Houston (6-16) is currently tied for the worst record in the Western Conference, and they’re far behind those top two teams.
But the loss by the Suns did give the young and rebuilding Rockets an incredibly unlikely claim to fame. With five straight wins, Houston now owns the longest active winning streak in the entire NBA.
In fact, the Rockets are the first team in league history to ever win five games in a row after a losing streak of 15 or more games, which they had suffered until the Nov. 24 victory over Chicago.
In the grand scheme, the accomplishment isn’t likely to mean all that much. Even with the current streak, Houston appears highly likely to again miss the playoffs, with a clear priority being placed on playing time and development for younger players like Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and KJ Martin. Nonetheless, for a group that seemed highly frustrated and dispirited less than two weeks ago, it’s a clear shot in the arm as they return to Toyota Center for practice on Saturday.
Houston will look to extend its improbable streak to six when New Orleans (7-18) comes to town on Sunday, with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m.
