Houston Rockets 'Lit' to See Improvements Translate Into Wins

The Rockets began the season ranked near the bottom of the league in every statistical category. But since improving its record to .500 (3-3), Houston has ranked in the top 10.

HOUSTON — When the Houston Rockets began the 2023-24 season on a three-game losing streak, coach Ime Udoka did not panic. He focused on the team's improvements instead of worrying why the Rockets began the season 0-3 after falling to the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 29.

Nine days later, Houston is on a roll after winning their third consecutive game Monday night in a 122-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings inside the Toyota Center. Jalen Green scored a team-high 23 points in the win. But despite a bounce-back performance on an individual level, Green is thrilled to see the team's improvements translate into wins.

"I think it's lit," Green said. "I think it's super lit. We have been able to put together some wins. And now, I hope we can keep this winning streak going. I am so happy about it.

"It's progress, that we're learning all together as a group and now that we're trying to figure it out. Once we get there, we are going to be hard to stop."

Rockets guard Jalen Green makes a layup against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Rockets began the season ranked near the bottom of the league in every statistical category. But since improving its record to .500 (3-3), Houston has ranked in the top 10.

They have scored an average of 119.0 points while posting an offensive rating of 115.7. Houston has posted the league's seventh-best defense by recording a defensive rating of 105.5. During their two-game mini-series against the Kings, they held Sacramento to 93.0 points.

With wins over the Kings and Charlotte Hornets, Udoka believes the previous three games represent the intangibles he has emphasized since training camp for the Rockets.

"Even in those three losses, I felt we played well just in sustained effort — went through some lows on both sides of the ball," Udoka said. "To have that carryover, it's good to see success. Against Charlotte, and these two games, it has been great."