Houston Rockets 2024–25 Season Review: Rise to Contender Status After Years of Rebuild
It was long run to move away from ‘the Beard era’ but slowly Houston Rockets side did their ‘thing’ adding young pieces and then supporting them with veterans. But the 2024-25 season was more productive one with side clinching the playoff berth after four seasons. Truly the season marked a significant turning point in their rebuilding journey.
Ime Udoka took over in 2023 and within two seasons former Celtics coach turned the side into a defensive powerhouse (bettered their stats). The team showcased substantial growth, culminating in a 52–30 record and a return to the playoffs. Post-season also showed the team’s resilience and starched the series to seven games. Check out the Houston Rockets’ season review.
How Good was Houston Rockets in 2024-25 Season?
From 17 wins to 52 wins in four seasons, the Rockets team showed their development and cohesion. The slow start was quickly turned into a high-end performance season. Clinching the divisional title, Rockets finished second in the Western Conference. The side is ready for the future with multiple young stars ready to step up in the upcoming seasons.
Also Read: Los Angeles Clippers 2024–25 Season Review: A Rollercoaster Ride of Hope and Heartbreak AGAIN.
Out of those youngsters, Alperen Şengün was highly productive. The Turkish centre earned his first All-Star selection with an 18.5 points and 10.2 rebounds average. To add to this, he also dished out 4.3 assists per game. The 22-year-old star became the youngest centre in NBA history to record 1,000 career assists.
Another Jalen Green was the team’s prolific scorer, and Amen Thomson was a defensive stalwart. Coach Udoka gave importance to defence, and the team answered the call, finishing the regular season with a top-5 defensive rating.
How bad were the Houston Rockets in the 2024-25 season?
May the positives of the Rockets side be their biggest negative point. The young core was built looking at the future, but the inconsistency and lack of veteran leadership were the side’s biggest drawbacks.
The effect was visible in the playoffs as the Rockets’ postseason run was short-lived. Though the series stretched to seven games, the Rockets were hard done by in the do-or-die game. The team’s inexperience was visible at crucial moments.
Also Read: ‘No Accountability’? JJ Redick’s Words Come Back to Haunt Him After Playoff Collapse.
What’s Next for Houston Rockets?
The team will need a veteran star to lead in the future. Guard VanVleet is pleased with the project and is looking to continue with the Western franchise, but he will need a partner to control the game and a young group in the games. A positive thing for the side is that the Rockets are committed to further developing their young core – in a season or two, players like Green, Şengün, and Thompson will be developed into reliable stars at both offensive and defensive ends.
While the early playoff exit was disappointing, the team can take more positives from the season. The Rockets are poised to continue their ascent in the NBA hierarchy.
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