The Houston Rockets’ 2024-25 NBA season was a breakout year, as they finished with a 52-30 record, secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and won their first Southwest Division title since 2020. However, their season ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors in a hard-fought seven-game series.
The Good
Breakout Regular Season and Playoff Berth:
The Rockets achieved a 52-30 record, a significant leap from their 41-41 mark in 2023-24, marking their best season since 2019-20 and clinching their first playoff appearance since 2020. They secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and the Southwest Division title by April 2, 2025.
By midseason, they were on a 56-win pace, ranking fourth in the NBA in overall record, first in rebounds per game, fourth in defensive rating, and fifth in net rating (+5.9).
Their 12-1 stretch in the final weeks of the regular season, despite facing mostly sub-.500 teams showcased their ability to dominate winnable games.
Emergence of a Young Core:
The Rockets’ young core, all under 24, including Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and rookie Reed Sheppard, drove their success. Jalen Green had a career year, averaging 27.7 points per game in March and emerging as a potential 1A superstar.
Alperen Şengün solidified his status as a foundational piece, averaging 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, with his playmaking and scoring drawing attention as a potential All-Star.
Cam Whitmore found his role as a high-impact sixth man, contributing significantly off the bench, while Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, added elite shooting and defensive versatility as a rookie.
Defensive and Rebounding Dominance:
Houston ranked fourth in defensive rating and first in rebounds per game, a testament to their physicality and effort under coach Ime Udoka. Their ability to secure 15 more offensive rebounds than opponents in key games, like against the Jazz, highlighted their tenacity.
Veterans like Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams bolstered their defensive toughness, with Brooks tasked with guarding opponents’ best players and Adams providing rim protection and rebounding support for Şengün.
Ime Udoka’s Coaching Impact:
Head coach Ime Udoka transformed the team’s culture, leading to a top-10 defense despite heavy minutes for younger, less defensively polished players. His ability to prepare the team for high-stakes games was widely praised.
Udoka’s system maximized the young core’s potential while integrating veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, who provided leadership and playoff experience. The team’s 97% minute continuity from the prior season helped maintain cohesion.
Depth and Versatility:
The Rockets’ depth was a major strength, with seven players under 24 and veterans like VanVleet, Brooks, and Adams. It’s evident that they are more talented than 85% of the NBA, with contributors like Tari Eason and Amen Thompson showing breakout potential.
Their ability to win 20 games despite shooting worse than their opponents (46.1% vs. 54.4% in some cases) showcased their hustle, with low turnovers and strong rebounding.
Front Office and Ownership Vision:
Owner Tilman Fertitta, GM Rafael Stone, and Udoka were lauded for their rebuild strategy, turning a 22-win team in 2022-23 into a 52-win contender in two years. The addition of Sheppard and small moves like trading for AJ Griffin bolstered the roster without major trades.
The Bad
First-Round Playoff Exit:
Despite their strong regular season, the Rockets lost a seven-game series to the No. 7-seeded Golden State Warriors (48-30) in the first round, falling 103-89 in Game 7 after trailing 3-1. Despite forcing a Game 7 with two straight wins, they couldn’t sustain momentum, a disappointing end for a No. 2 seed.
The Warriors’ experience, led by Stephen Curry, exposed Houston’s youth in clutch moments, with the Rockets averaging only 101.8 points per game against Golden State’s 103.4 in their five regular-season meetings.
Struggles Against Winning Teams:
The Rockets’ 12-1 run late in the season came against teams with losing records, and their last win against a team over .500 was February 25, 2025, against Milwaukee. They went 1-5 in their last six games against top-eight Western Conference teams, allowing over 121 points per 100 possessions in those losses.
Their 12-10 record against the West’s top eight teams was solid (third-best in the conference), but their inability to consistently beat elite teams raised questions about their playoff readiness.
Offensive Inefficiency in Half-Court Sets:
Houston ranked 27th in half-court offense (91.5 points per 100 possessions), despite a 12th-ranked overall offensive efficiency (+0.9 relative offensive rating). This reliance on transition scoring (fueled by rebounds and low turnovers) limited their effectiveness in playoff-style, slower-paced games.
Against the Warriors, their offense struggled, averaging just 101.8 points per game across five regular-season matchups, worse than the league’s lowest offensive rating.
Inconsistent Veteran Contributions:
Dillon Brooks, while a defensive stalwart, struggled offensively in the final two playoff games, failing to score in double digits after a 24-point Game 5. His 34.5% three-point shooting in the series was underwhelming.
Steven Adams, used sparingly (13.7 minutes per game in 58 regular-season appearances), couldn’t make a significant impact in the playoffs, especially in Game 7, as Houston leaned on a frontcourt-heavy rotation that didn’t deliver.
Rotation Management Challenges:
The Rockets’ depth, while a strength, created challenges for Udoka in distributing minutes. Players like Jock Landale, Jeff Green, and Jae’Sean Tate were outside the regular rotation, and even rookie Reed Sheppard faced uncertainty about consistent minutes due to competition with veteran guards.
The crowded roster (15 players, including young talents like Thompson and Whitmore) made it difficult to provide development opportunities for everyone, potentially stunting the growth of players like Jabari Smith Jr., who showed flashes but needed more touches.
Hesitation on Extensions and Trade Rumors:
The front office’s decision to delay contract extensions for Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün raised questions about their long-term commitment to the duo, with speculation about potential trades for a star player to elevate the roster.
While “Plan A” was to keep the core intact, the Rockets’ abundance of prospects and picks fueled rumors of a blockbuster move, creating uncertainty about roster stability.
