The Houston Rockets have kicked off 2025 with impressive momentum, winning four out of their last five games and boasting a three-game winning streak. Their lone defeat in this stretch was against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics. Notably, the Rockets have triumphed over playoff-caliber teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies. Currently, they sit as the second seed in a competitive Western Conference with a commendable 25-12 record.
During these four victories, Houston has averaged 120.8 points per game while allowing 110.3 to their opponents. Their offensive prowess has been highlighted by a sixth-ranked offensive rating of 118.0 since January 1. The recent success can be largely attributed to Jalen Green, whose scoring has surged, marking a significant improvement in his performance as he strives for consistency in his young career.
In these five games, Green has posted an average of 27.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. His shooting has notably improved, with 47.8% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range during this stretch, compared to his season averages of 41.9% and 33.6%, respectively. A highlight of his recent performances was a 33-point game against the Lakers on January 5, where he contributed six rebounds and four assists while hitting five three-pointers.
This level of scoring consistency from Green, along with support from star center Alperen Sengun, is crucial for the Rockets as they aim for a deep playoff run and strive to establish themselves as serious title contenders. The team has a favorable record of 5-2 when both Green and Sengun score over 20 points in a game, suggesting that their offensive collaboration will be vital in maintaining their competitive edge in the NBA.
