The Houston Rockets have begun their NBA season with a strong statement in the Western Conference, achieving a noteworthy feat not seen in over a decade. With a commanding 132-100 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, Houston improved its record to 5-0. This marks the Rockets as the first team in the league to achieve five victories this season.
This undefeated start mirrors their best since the 2014-15 season and signifies the sixth time in franchise history that the Rockets have opened a campaign with five wins in succession.
Fred VanVleet led the team, scoring 24 points, with Amen Thompson adding 23 points. Kevin Durant contributed with 18 points, helping the Rockets to their largest victory margin so far.
Houston established control in the second quarter by outscoring Milwaukee 34-14, resulting in a 57-35 lead at halftime. The Rockets sustained their offensive prowess after the break, maintaining a comfortable advantage throughout the second half with a 54.8% field goal success rate.
Houston’s dominance was particularly impressive considering the absence of key players. Alperen Sengun, who has been leading the team with 24.5 points per game, missed the game due to lower back soreness. Steven Adams was absent because of a calf strain, and Marcus Smart sat out with a forearm injury. Despite these challenges, the team showcased depth and potential, pointing to a promising future in the Conference.
VanVleet, recovering from a torn ACL, demonstrated notable improvement, scoring 15 consecutive points during the third quarter, boosting the team’s lead and sealing the win. Durant’s addition has further enhanced Houston’s offense, providing a seasoned scoring asset alongside emerging talents.
The blend of veteran skills, flexible offense, and robust defense has positioned Houston as an early standout in the NBA. Looking ahead, the Rockets aim to continue their winning streak against the Dallas Mavericks in their upcoming NBA Cup match.
Although the season is still in its early stages, the Rockets have achieved something architecturally significant within the franchise, not seen in 12 years. The goal now is to translate this historic start into ongoing success, aiming to regain their position at the top of the Western Conference.