As I sit here watching the Houston Rockets' recent game against the Warriors, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of frustration and hope that defines being a Rockets fan this season. The question on everyone's mind is whether this team can pull off what seems impossible right now - a legitimate playoff push when they're sitting at 11th in the Western Conference with a 25-32 record as of this writing. I've followed this team through thick and thin, and what strikes me most about this year's squad isn't just their raw talent, but something deeper that reminded me of a quote I recently came across from an international basketball context: "Pride na rin kasi ayoko na nababastos yung team namin." This Filipino phrase, which roughly translates to "It's about pride because I don't want our team to be disrespected," perfectly captures the emotional undercurrent I'm seeing develop in Houston's locker room.
When I look at this Rockets team, I see that same defensive pride starting to emerge, particularly since the All-Star break. They're playing with a chip on their shoulder that suggests they're tired of being counted out. Alperen Şengün has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting 53.7% from the field - numbers that would make most established centers jealous. What's fascinating to me is how his development has coincided with Jalen Green finding his rhythm, putting up 18.2 points per game despite his shooting inconsistencies. The real story though isn't in individual stats - it's in how they're starting to play together with genuine defensive intensity that suggests they've internalized that same sentiment of not wanting their team to be disrespected.
The Western Conference playoff picture presents both an obstacle and an opportunity that I find intriguing. The Rockets are currently 6.5 games back from the 10th spot, which sounds daunting until you realize they have one of the easier remaining schedules in the league. Having analyzed NBA playoff races for over a decade, I can tell you that stranger things have happened than a team making up that kind of ground in the final quarter of the season. The key will be whether they can maintain their recent defensive identity while getting more consistent production from their role players. I'm particularly watching Jabari Smith Jr., whose 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds don't fully capture his defensive versatility and growing confidence from beyond the arc.
What gives me cautious optimism is the cultural shift I'm observing under Coach Ime Udoka. He's instilling that same defensive mindset and collective pride we saw in his Boston teams, and the players are clearly buying in. The Rockets are allowing 5.2 fewer points per game since January compared to their early season numbers, and their defensive rating has improved from 23rd to 14th in that span. In my professional assessment, this defensive improvement isn't just statistical noise - it's the foundation upon which surprising comebacks are built. When players start taking it personally when opponents score easily, when they develop that collective pride in their defensive identity, that's when teams start exceeding expectations.
The road ahead won't be easy, and I'll be the first to admit they're facing long odds. But having watched teams like last year's Lakers turn their season around after a slow start, I know how quickly narratives can change in the NBA. The Rockets have the talent, they're developing the defensive identity, and most importantly, they're playing with the kind of pride that suggests they're tired of being everyone's punching bag. While I'd put their playoff chances at around 25% realistically, there's something brewing in Houston that makes me think they could be this season's surprise team down the stretch. They may not complete the comeback, but they're certainly going to make things interesting for teams hoping for an easy path to the play-in tournament.