The Houston Rockets have been one of the more intriguing stories of this NBA season. Sitting at 17-9, they’ve carved out a solid position in the Western Conference-currently holding the sixth seed-and have done it with a blend of youthful energy, veteran leadership, and a defensive identity that’s become the team’s calling card under head coach Ime Udoka.
But Saturday night’s 125-124 loss to the Sacramento Kings was a reminder that progress isn’t always linear.
On paper, this was a game the Rockets should’ve handled. The Kings came in struggling, and Houston had momentum.
Instead, the Rockets let one slip away in a game that came down to the final possessions. And afterward, Udoka didn’t sugarcoat it.
“We didn’t really deserve to win that,” Udoka said postgame. “I gotta do a better job of getting them motivated in games against lesser opponents.”
It was a frank assessment from a coach who’s been demanding accountability from day one. And he’s not wrong.
Despite strong performances from Alperen Sengun, who poured in 28 points, and Kevin Durant, who added 24, the rest of the roster didn’t bring the same intensity. The Rockets lacked the edge that’s defined many of their wins this season-particularly on the defensive end, where lapses proved costly.
This kind of loss stings, especially for a team trying to establish itself as more than just a pleasant surprise. But it also comes with a silver lining: Udoka’s response shows this team isn’t content with moral victories or riding the wave of early-season success. There’s a bigger picture here-and the Rockets are trying to build something sustainable.
That vision is clear when you hear Udoka talk about the direction of the franchise.
“I think we’re all on the same page,” he said recently. “The progress we’ve taken about developing guys, but at the same time, winning and trying to develop those habits… We’re all on the same page.
Ownership, the front office, the coaches and players. All headed towards the same goal.”
That alignment-from the top down-is critical. And it’s showing on the court, even in the wake of a tough loss.
The Rockets are developing their young core-Jabari Smith Jr., Sengun, and others-while still competing at a high level. And with Kevin Durant anchoring the offense and providing a steadying presence, the ceiling is high.
There’s also buzz around the team’s interest in adding another star, with Ja Morant’s name reportedly on the radar. Whether or not that materializes, it speaks volumes about where the Rockets see themselves: not as a rebuilding team, but as a contender looking to take the next step.
Saturday’s loss to Sacramento might’ve been a speed bump, but it doesn’t change the trajectory Houston is on. This team is ahead of schedule, and they know it. The challenge now is consistency-bringing the same energy against every opponent, regardless of record or reputation.
If they can do that, the Rockets won’t just be a feel-good story. They’ll be a legitimate threat come playoff time.