Fred VanVleet Believes Physicality is Key to Improving Rockets' Road Struggles

As the Houston Rockets begin a six-game road trip, Fred VanVleet believes physicality is the key to improving their road struggles.

The Houston Rockets will begin a six-game road trip Monday night against the Miami Heat. A contest inside the Kaseya Center will mark the Rockets' first game away from the Toyota Center since their 106-104 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 23. 

The victory gave Houston its third road win of the season, but the Rockets remain one of the worst teams away from their home court. They are 3-10 on the road. But All-Star guard Fred VanVleet believes physicality is the key to improving their road struggles.

"We have to win the war in the trenches," VanVleet told Inside the Rockets. "If we have success in the paint, rebound the basketball and protect the rim, that means you will have good success wherever. It just so happens that we do all of those things better at home than on the road. But it will be exciting to see."

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) controls the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Rockets are 18-16 and are currently eighth in the Western Conference. If the playoffs started today, they would be in the Play-In Tournament — a massive improvement from the previous three seasons. However, if the Rockets begin to improve their road struggles, they may open the postseason as a top-six-seeded team.

On the road, they have scored an average of 110.5 points while posting an offensive rating of 112.1. Houston has also posted the league's 11th-worst defense by recording a defensive rating of 117.9. 

During their previous road trip, the Rockets allowed their opponents to score an average of 119.6 points. They gave up 128 points in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 17 — a team they closed their seven-game homestand against amid a 112-108 victory Saturday night.

The Rockets are determined to have their best road trip of the season, and perhaps VanVleet will be the most vital player to help Houston improve its struggles.

They will play six consecutive games against Eastern Conference opponents. For VanVleet, the trip will include arenas where he had some of his best career performances as a member of the Toronto Raptors.

VanVleet believes there's a comfort level he has as a former foe in the east, which could be beneficial for the Rockets.

"It's going to feel super weird," VanVleet said. "We have already played games in Milwaukee and Cleveland, but it feels weird knowing that we won't be back. 

"I am looking forward to this road trip. I've had a lot of success in some of these arenas. I am glad to get back out on the road. We have been home for a while. I believe this road trip will be a good opportunity for our team to grow." 

Rockets Embark on Third Quarter Eruption vs. Nets

After defeating the Bucks, the Rockets are one of the best home teams in the league. They have posted a record of 15-6. Houston's on-court production is a 180 from its play on the road.

They have scored an average of 110.5 points on their home floor while averaging an offensive rating of 114.4. Houston has posted the league's third-best defense by recording a defensive rating of 113.7.

The four-point victory over the Bucks was the best way for the Rockets to close their seven-game homestand, especially after an embarrassing outing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 24 hours prior.

Houston survived a 48-point effort by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Alperen Şengün led the Rockets with 21 points in the win. VanVleet added 14 points, seven assists and two steals.

"That is what you want," VanVleet said. "This is what good teams do. This is how you want to bounce back. [Friday night] wasn't our best effort. But you saw us bring that intensity and fight after a tough night. I am proud of our guys for bringing it. It was a good win for us."