The Houston Rockets have secured their first division title and playoff berth since the 2019 season, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. With a strong record of 50-27, they clinched the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference following their recent victory over the Utah Jazz and a loss by the Memphis Grizzlies. This success is a result of the team’s dedicated rebuilding effort, culminating in the maturation of young talent like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka and the leadership of veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.

This season saw the Rockets decisively win three out of four matchups against the Grizzlies, ensuring a tiebreaker advantage. Their playoff berth marks a return to competitiveness after a challenging phase since the departure of James Harden. The Rockets are set for the playoffs starting April 19, hoping to leverage their strong position against other Western contenders.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial 104-98 victory over the Houston Rockets, continuing their pursuit of a top playoff seed in the Western Conference. The game saw both teams struggle offensively early on, combining for just 14 field goals in the first quarter. However, Luka Dončić emerged as a pivotal figure for the Lakers, finishing with 20 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, nearly achieving a triple-double. The Lakers managed to pull away in the final minutes, as the Rockets faltered, making only two field goals in the closing stretch.

Late-game plays solidified the Lakers' win, highlighted by LeBron James' remarkable block on Alperen Şengün. The Rockets' Amen Thompson led his team with 20 points, but despite five players in double figures, they couldn’t overcome the Lakers' late surge. With this win, the Lakers close the gap to just one game behind the Denver Nuggets for the third seed, as they face a challenging stretch ahead with seven games left, including critical matchups against the Thunder and the Warriors.

Alperen Sengun showcased his elite skills in Utah, leading the Houston Rockets to a 121-110 victory, boosting their position in the Western Conference playoff race. With 33 points and 10 rebounds, Sengun's performance was pivotal as the Rockets improved to 48-26, solidifying their No. 2 seed. This victory not only marked their 11th win in 12 games but also extended their lead over the Lakers and Grizzlies in the playoff standings.

Jalen Green contributed significantly with 21 points, while Tari Eason and Amen Thompson both added 15 points each. The Rockets' balanced attack and Sengun's dominance against Walker Kessler were highlights of the game. As they head into a crucial back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns and Lakers, the Rockets aim to maintain momentum as the playoffs approach.

In a thrilling game, the Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114, marking their tenth victory in eleven games and solidifying their position as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Jalen Green was outstanding, scoring 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His performance showcased his efficiency, hitting 58.3% of his shots. Other key contributors included Fred VanVleet with 21 points, Jabari Smith Jr. with 17, and Alperen Sengun adding 18 points and 9 rebounds. Despite a strong effort from Trae Young, who recorded 19 points and 12 assists for the Hawks, Atlanta couldn’t overcome a 25-point deficit.

The Rockets excelled at the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 89.7%, a notable contrast to their previous game against Denver. Coach Ime Udoka praised the team's rebounding efforts, particularly with the double-big lineup of Sengun and Steven Adams, which effectively disrupted Young's rhythm. Houston will now embark on a three-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the struggling Utah Jazz.

The Houston Rockets face a critical challenge as they head toward the 2025 playoffs, with clutch scoring being their most pressing concern. Despite their impressive record, including an NBA-high 23 wins in 'close and late' situations, the team's late-game performance has been unconvincing. Key players, including Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun, have struggled to convert crucial opportunities down the stretch, often missing open shots and free throws.

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report highlights Houston's negative net rating in clutch situations, suggesting their previous success may not translate to playoff resilience. As the Rockets prepare for the postseason, the ability of their stars to deliver in high-pressure moments will be paramount. If they can improve their efficiency and find ways to score against tight defenses, they can elevate their postseason prospects significantly.