Ime Udoka Wants Houston Rockets to Embody 'Road Warrior' Mentality

Houston finished last season tied with the Spurs and the Detroit Pistons for the fewest road wins with eight victories.

HOUSTON — Coach Ime Udoka is thrilled to begin the 2023-24 season at the helm of the Houston Rockets. They will open with a two-game road trip, starting with an interconference match against the Orlando Magic Wednesday night. The Rockets will conclude their road trip Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Some coaches would be furious to begin a new season with two games away from home. But Udoka values the challenge of competing against his opponents on their respective courts. 

"You always want to have that road warrior mentality," Udoka said. "I enjoy playing on the road. I think being in a hostile environment is a good thing for us. But obviously, whether on the road or at home, we want to get off to a good start."

Udoka wants the Rockets to adopt his passion for playing on the road. But to accomplish the feat, Houston must improve their play away from Toyota Center.

The Rocket finished last season tied with the Spurs and the Detroit Pistons for the fewest road wins with eight victories. But when the Rockets step inside the Amway Center, they will return to a place that led to one of their best games during the 2022-23 season. 

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka looks on in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center / Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Behind a 34-point performance from Jalen Green, the Rockets recorded their second road win of the season in a 134-127 victory on Nov. 7. Houston nailed 24 triples in the win, with Green accounting for five.  

But Green doesn't care where the Rockets will begin the season. His top priority is to set the right tone while maintaining his desire to win in year three.

"I just want to contribute to winning — that's all I am focused on," Green said. "At the end of the day, we have to go out, give it our all and play with effort while learning as we go."

Udoka displayed his passion to play on the road during his lone season as coach of the Boston Celtics. Under Udoka, the Celtics finished the 2021-22 season with the seventh-most road wins with 23. Udoka's first and only season in Boston coincides with Green's rookie year, where the Rockets won nine games away from home.

"The energy has always been good, but I am excited to get on the road and play a real game," Udoka said. "You can feel it with the group. So, I am looking forward to it.