The Houston Rockets have achieved a remarkable five-game winning streak after defeating the Denver Nuggets 128-108 on the road. The Rockets, who previously secured a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies at home, embarked on a three-game road trip. Among their opponents, the Nuggets and Kings posed the toughest challenges, with the Portland Trail Blazers scheduled for the final match. Having overcome the formidable Nuggets, the Rockets now face the Kings in their next game, with a potential seven-game winning streak within reach. The Rockets currently boast a record of 27 wins and 12 losses, translating to a win rate of 69.2%. With the Boston Celtics experiencing a dip in form this season, the Rockets are only half a game behind them in the standings.
This incredible run has propelled the Rockets to the brink of securing the third spot in the league, a feat that seemed unimaginable earlier. The first half of the Rockets' schedule was relatively easy, but the second half presented the third-highest difficulty level in the league. Coincidentally, this is when Jalen Green found his stride, reminiscent of last March when he averaged 28.9 points per game, leading the team to an 11-game winning streak with an 84% monthly win rate. In January of this year, Green has maintained an average of over 30 points per game across seven matches, with only one loss to the Celtics.
In today's game against a Nuggets team missing Jokic and Gordon, the Rockets dominated from the outset. Jalen Green started strong with a four-point play and a successful driving layup. However, it was the pick-and-roll between Shen Jing and Van Jordan that took control of the game, despite Shen Jing being blocked by Old Jordan. The Rockets' collective effort allowed them to lead by five points at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Van Jordan and White Magic contributed points, with Jeff Green stepping up in Smith's absence. The Rockets' inside-out attack extended their lead to 13 points. Despite a scoring burst from Murray, the Rockets maintained a 21-point lead at halftime, largely due to Green's performance, who outscored Murray in their duel and scored 15 points in the quarter.
Green's impact continued in the second half, as he made jump shots, hit step-back threes against Little Jordan, and delivered a powerful dunk. His recent form has been likened to the upper limit of Michael Jordan and the lower limit of Kobe Bryant. In the third quarter alone, Green added another 13 points, with the lead peaking at 25 points. He finished the game with 34 points and 5 assists in just three quarters, shooting 10-for-16 overall and 6-for-10 from beyond the arc. By the fourth quarter, the game was effectively over, with the Rockets even bringing on Sheppard.
Jalen Green's recent performances have been outstanding, and while Shen Jing also had a solid game with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, his recent play has been somewhat solitary, perhaps driven by aspirations to make the All-Star team. Armon Thompson has stepped up in the power forward role, making Rocket fans forget about Smith. He contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Van Jordan added 16 points and 8 assists, White Magic scored 16 points, and Dillon chipped in with 6. For the Nuggets, Braun was the standout player, going 10-for-11 for 22 points, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Porter scored 8 points, Westbrook went 6-for-14 for 17 points, and Murray had 22 points.
There is a noticeable shift in the Rockets' offensive strategy, with more plays being designed around Jalen Green. Van Jordan's shot attempts have significantly decreased, and the 15 pick-and-roll is not always utilized. Dillon has transitioned into a true 3D role. This change reflects Green's evolution and influence, as he was previously inconsistent against both strong and weak teams. Now that Green has stepped up, Van Jordan has relinquished some control, focusing on defense and organization while taking shots when opportunities arise.
Critics often dismiss the Rockets as soft and vulnerable in the Western Conference, even suggesting they would struggle to progress past the first round of the playoffs. However, the reality is harsh; the Rockets' roster provides a high floor for success. They are not yet at full strength, as they await the return of Smith and Ison. If Green can maintain his current offensive prowess, the Rockets have the potential to alter the landscape of the league. The difference between the Rockets and the Thunder lies in the performances of Alexander and Jalen Green. Green's recent displays have also earned him more favorable calls from referees, with an increase in whistles.