Rockets Show Signs of Progression in Home Finale vs. Magic

Despite falling short of their postseason aspirations, the Houston Rockets displayed signs of progression in home finale vs. the Magic.

Apr 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) stands in the pregame huddle / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

HOUSTON — Jalen Green addressed the crowd ahead of the Houston Rockets' final home game inside the Toyota Center. He revealed that the Rockets were disappointed by not reaching their goals of the Play-In Tournament or playoffs but promised to build upon their growth to qualify for the postseason next year.

However, the Rockets displayed their growth in a 118-106 victory over the Orlando Magic. They ended their five-game losing streak with the win. But more importantly, Houston's victory displayed its season-long progression that began with a 116-86 loss to the Magic on Oct. 25.

"The fans have shown love and support all year," Green said. "That's been really big. We feed off their energy. I just wanted to let them know that next year is going to be the one."

Apr 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) stands in the pregame huddle / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Green finished the game with 14 points on 6 of 17 shooting from the field, five rebounds and five assists. His performance illustrated his on-court growth as an all-around player when compared to his first two seasons.

However, Fred VanVleet's season-high of 37 points on an efficient 13 of 22 shooting from the field, 6 of 11 from behind the arc exemplified his importance to the organization.

His on-court production helped the Rockets reached their 39th victory of the season. When the Magic cut their once 19-point deficit down to six midway through the fourth quarter, VanVleet's leadership kept Houston afloat.

“Just try to be here. Be accountable. Be a leader every day.” #Rockets Fred VanVleet when speaking on his importance to the team. pic.twitter.com/viIWP04Q9I

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) April 10, 2024

He got things going early by scoring 15 points during the first quarter, and his sizzling start set an early tone for Houston. VanVleet joined the Rockets as the league's lone free agent who signed a max contract in July.

"Fred was big," coach Ime Udoka said. "Not just with his scoring, but as a calming presence. It felt like, at times, we fell off a cliff without him out there. I had to play him for 38 minutes, which isn't what I like to do, but we had guys in foul trouble.

"He had big baskets when the Magic started to get close. But his play was similar to what he had been doing all year. He had a really big game."

Showcasing the team's consistent growth from their previous loss to the Magic was Houston's top objective entering its home finale.

At the time of their early season defeat, the Rockets appeared to revert to the habits that made them one of the league's most subpar teams over the previous three years. 

Turnovers were a top objective for Udoka when it came to helping the Rockets break old habits. Houston finished the 2022-23 season with the league's second-most turnovers, averaging 16.2. Against the Magic in late October, the Rockets surpassed their season average by committing 19 turnovers — 11 came within the first half inside the Kia Center.  

Despite its 22-60 record, Houston was one of the top rebounding teams in the league. The Rockets averaged 46.3 boards last season. But Houston began the second phase of its rebuilding project, getting outrebounded 57-31. Opening night was a massive flop. But six months later, Houston avenged its loss.

The Rockets will end their first season under Udoka, ranked ninth for the fewest turnovers with an average of 12.8. Against the Magic Tuesday night, Houston nearly matched its season average by committing 12 turnovers.

The Rockets fell short of the rebounding battle 42-37 in their win over the Magic. However, the Rockets re-established themselves as one of the best rebounding teams in the league, averaging 45.4 boards, ranked third only behind the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics.

"What we are trying to accomplish is night and day," Udoka said. "From the first game, it was right after training camp and pre-season. So, we knew we needed to be sharper there. But our competitiveness has been there since day one and was apparent again tonight. But like I said before, we are trying to finish strong to hit the ground running next year."

Despite falling short of the playoffs, the Rockets took major leaps during the season. And with three games left, Houston's next objective is to finish with their first winning record in the post-James-Harden era.

The Rockets have posted one of the league's best records post the All-Star break at 15-10. They closed their home schedule for the 2023-24 season with the league's eighth-best record at 27-14.

"There were going to be some growing pains — there were going to be some ups and downs, and when you’re in the middle of it, it’s hard to remember that," VanVleet said. "But as you take a step back, since the All-Star break, I like a lot of the ways we're playing. We didn’t have too many letdowns.

"At this point, we’re trying to play good basketball and get better each day. They [the Magic] kicked our butts first game of the season. We definitely remembered that."