Rockets Aiming to Find Consistency to Keep Pace in Western Conference Race

As the NBA season enters its final quarter, the Houston Rockets are hoping to find consistency in their play.

HOUSTON — With 23 victories, the Houston Rockets have won their most games since the 2019-20 season. But if the NBA Play-In Tournament began today, the Rockets would be on the outside looking in.

They are six games under .500 with a 23-29 record. And while entering Monday's inter-conference contest against the New York Knicks, the Rockets are riding their longest losing streak of the season after a 0-4 road trip.  

Houston has 30 games left to save its season. According to Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets have emphasized the importance of consistency to finish their season on a positive note.

Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) defends Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

"Just trying to stay consistent throughout the game and not wait until the end to turn it on," Smith said. "We have to find a way to play hard throughout the whole game."

Smith's desire for consistency coincides with the Rockets' previous three losses. In games against the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets trailed by an average margin of 17.0 points. But due to their competitive spirit, Houston fell short of an improbable comeback in each game.

Their most significant deficit came during Friday's 107-104 loss to the Raptors. The Rockets trailed Toronto by 22 points midway through the second quarter. But during the fourth quarter, they outscored Toronto 33-19.

The Rockets outscored their opponents by an average margin of 6.6 points during the final period. But had Houston maintained their play for a full 48 minutes, the Rockets would have had three additional victories in the win column.

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"For us, it is about coming out with a sense of urgency and getting better each game," Jeff Green said. "I do not think there is one thing we have to focus on. I think it's about becoming better as a whole. Making sure we come out every night prepared to play."

Ahead of their contest against the Knicks, the Rockets are two games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In spot with a 25-25 record. The Utah Jazz are 11th with a 26-27 record.