Houston Rockets 'Playing More Together' Says Sacramento Kings Coach Mike Brown

Before playing a minute, Kings coach Mike Brown has already noticed a significant change in the Rockets.

HOUSTON — The Sacramento Kings demolished the Houston Rockets during their four-game series last season. As a result, the Rockets were eager to begin their two-game mini-series under first-year coach Ime Udoka, which began Saturday night inside the Toyota Center. 

The Rockets felt more equipped to compete against the Kings, which led to Houston's 107-89 victory. But before playing a minute, Kings coach Mike Brown had already noticed a significant change in the Rockets.    

Rockets guard Jalen Green drives with the ball as Sacramento Kings guard Chris Duarte (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA

"You can tell that some of those veterans are helping the young guys out," Brown said. "They are playing more together, they're playing harder. It doesn't seem like you will be able to get easy baskets, especially in transition, like in the past. Ime is doing a nice job with a young team."

Despite dropping their first three games, the Rockets have improved in several areas under Udoka. Houston is ranked 11th in assists, averaging 26.8. They averaged a league-low 22.4 during the 2022-23 season.

Playing more through Alperen Şengün has been one of several significant changes Udoka has made during his first year at the helm in Houston.

The third-year Turkish native has posted Houston's second-highest usage rating at 22.6. As a result, Şengün is averaging 6.0 assists.  During his second season, Sengun averaged a usage rating of 21.1.

#Kings coach Mike Brown on #Rockets pic.twitter.com/jHR8cUN3Hg

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) November 4, 2023

Outside of a two-point loss on Feb. 8, the Kings obliterated the Rockets during the 2022-23 season. They allowed Sacramento to score an average of 129.2 points while losing by an average margin of 21.6.

"I’m excited about the game, see what we can build off from the last game, try to get a streak going," Jae'Sean Tate said. "We are a completely different team than it was last year, and I think we have a pretty good defensive team."