Houston Rockets have achieved a record of 4 wins and 1 loss in their last five games, including an ongoing three-game winning streak, seemingly at their best at the beginning of the new year 2025. Despite facing the second-hardest schedule in the league, the Rockets have managed to defeat top Western Conference teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies in these five games, with their only loss coming against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics.
In this highly competitive Western Conference season, the Rockets hold the second place with a record of 25 wins and 12 losses. In the four victories at the start of the year, the Rockets averaged 120.8 points per game while allowing only 110.3 points, ranking sixth in offensive efficiency (offensive rating of 118) during that period.
The surge in the Rockets' offensive efficiency in the new year is largely due to the transformation of Jalen Green. The guard's efficiency and consistency have been under constant scrutiny throughout his career, but since Udoka joined the Rockets, his role in the team has been clearly defined, leading to his breakout performance.
Especially in the past five games, since Amen Thompson was promoted to the starting lineup, the Rockets have transitioned to a fast-paced offense that relies on transition play and excellent ball-sharing, and Green has finally found his preferred playing style. He has been able to frequently attack the opponent's basket using his athleticism and create space for himself beyond the three-point line. In these five games, Green averaged 27.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2 steals, with a shooting percentage of 47.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 41.2%, significantly higher than his season averages of 41.9% and 33.6%.
Green's scoring outburst includes a superb performance on January 6th, where he scored 33 points to help the Rockets defeat the Lakers 119-115. This is also the best game of the 22-year-old Green's young career, as he went 12 for 24 from the field, including 5 for 12 from three-point range, finishing with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Green's current offensive stability and efficiency are crucial for the Rockets, determining how far they can go in the playoffs. When Green and Alperen Sengun both score over 20 points in the same game, the Rockets have a record of 5 wins and 2 losses. It is clear that only when both stars perform exceptionally well offensively do the Rockets truly become a championship-contending team.