Rockets’ Size-First Strategy Hits a Wall Against Denver - Time for a Tactical Pivot?
The Houston Rockets came into Monday night’s matchup with a clear identity: win with size, control the glass, and wear teams down physically. But against the Denver Nuggets, that approach didn’t just stall - it backfired. And while there were a few controversial moments that tilted the game late, the bigger issue was Houston’s unwillingness to adapt when their usual formula wasn’t clicking.
Let’s be clear - there were multiple reasons the Rockets dropped this one. A questionable whistle on Amen Thompson in crunch time certainly didn’t help.
That call shifted the momentum and had an undeniable impact on the closing minutes. But even with that, Houston had paths to a win.
They just didn’t take them.
Denver’s Bigs Flip the Script
The Rockets entered the game leading the league in offensive rebounds, averaging 16.4 per game - a key pillar of their success this season. But against Denver?
Just 12. That drop-off was no accident.
The Nuggets, who sit middle-of-the-pack in rebounding overall, came in with a plan. They leaned on their size, but not in the traditional sense.
Nikola Jokic, already a matchup nightmare, saw minutes alongside Jonas Valanciunas - and that pairing gave the Rockets trouble. Unlike Houston’s typical big-man duos, Denver’s bigs can stretch the floor.
That spacing pulled Houston’s size away from the paint and neutralized one of their biggest weapons.
The result? The Rockets weren’t able to dominate the glass like they usually do. And when their bread-and-butter isn’t working, it’s time to bake something new.
Time to Mix It Up
Ime Udoka has done a solid job instilling toughness and identity in this young Rockets squad. But Monday’s game was a reminder: even a strong identity needs flexibility.
Houston has the personnel to get creative. Jabari Smith Jr., for instance, has the skill set to play the five in small-ball lineups.
He’s only logged 3% of his minutes at center this season, a career low. That’s not surprising given the addition of Clint Capela, who brings a physical, rim-protecting presence.
But when the Rockets’ size advantage is being countered - or outright shut down - it’s worth exploring different looks.
Smith Jr. at the five opens up the floor. It forces opposing bigs - like Jokic and Valanciunas - to defend in space. Pair that with a perimeter-oriented lineup featuring Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, and suddenly the Rockets can shift the pace, attack in transition, and stretch defenses in ways their traditional lineups can’t.
It’s not about abandoning their identity. It’s about having a Plan B when Plan A hits a wall.
A Learning Moment
This loss won’t define the Rockets’ season, but it should serve as a blueprint for future adjustments. Denver showed that even a team not known for rebounding can counter Houston’s physicality with smart lineup choices and spacing. The Rockets, in turn, need to be ready to respond with their own wrinkles.
There’s no need for a full-blown overhaul. Houston’s size-first approach has worked more often than not.
But when it doesn’t? That’s when coaching, flexibility, and in-game adjustments make all the difference.
And maybe, just maybe, a few more favorable calls down the stretch wouldn’t hurt either.