The Houston Rockets are no longer sneaking up on anyone. With a 124–109 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, the team claimed its fifth straight victory, moving to 5–2 and solidifying its place among the NBA’s most complete squads early in the season.
Led once again by Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, Houston imposed its will from start to finish, controlling the pace, dominating the paint, and leaving FedExForum with yet another statement win; one that showcased maturity, depth, and star-level talent across the board.
Five Straight Wins Prove the Rockets Are Rising Fast
If there were any doubts about Amen Thompson’s readiness to lead Houston’s backcourt, they’ve been silenced over the last two games. Coming off a 27-point outburst against Dallas, the 21-year-old guard followed up with another electrifying performance (28 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists), once again proving he can take over a game on both ends.
Memphis tried throwing size at him, using Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama to clog driving lanes, but Thompson sliced through the defense repeatedly, scoring 18 points in the first half alone. His relentless drives and physicality set the tone, while his confidence near the rim made him nearly unstoppable.
Houston found creative ways to spring Thompson loose, five different teammates assisted on his first-half baskets, and his connection with Sengun continues to grow stronger each night. The young guard is quickly evolving into one of the Rockets’ most dangerous weapons.
Sengun Dominates as Houston’s Anchor
For Alperen Sengun, it was business as usual. The Turkish big man recorded another impressive 20-point, 16-rebound, seven-assist performance, marking his fourth double-double of the season. He shot an efficient 8-for-10 from the free-throw line and served as Houston’s stabilizing force in the post.
Sengun’s ability to dictate tempo, whether initiating from the low block or orchestrating from the top of the key, continues to define the Rockets’ offensive identity. His synergy with Thompson, both in transition and in structured half-court sets, gives Houston a dual-engine attack that few teams can match.
The Rockets are now 4-0 when starting Thompson, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Sengun, and in every one of those games, all five starters have scored in double figures. That balance is a reflection of how cohesive Houston’s system has become under Ime Udoka.
Durant’s Quiet Night, Team’s Loud Response
For perhaps the first time this season, Kevin Durant wasn’t the story, and that might be the biggest positive for Houston. The superstar struggled offensively, scoring just 11 points on 5-of-18 shooting, but the Rockets never faltered. Instead, the young core carried the load.
Last year’s team might have wilted under similar circumstances, but this version stayed composed. The Rockets shot 47.5% from the field, hit 43% from three (13-of-30), and outrebounded Memphis 54–47, even without Steven Adams, who sat out with hip tightness.
Houston’s versatility was on full display. Whether going big with Clint Capela or small with Jabari Smith Jr. at center, the Rockets dominated the paint 60–40, flipping the script from last season when Memphis consistently outscored them down low.
Depth and Defense Fuel the Streak
Josh Okogie and Tari Eason provided the defensive edge that has defined Houston’s identity. Okogie drilled three straight triples in the third quarter to push the lead past 20, while Eason’s energy helped close the game. Houston’s defensive rotations were sharp: they held Jackson to just one first-half field goal and limited Ja Morant to 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting.
Every rotation clicked, every hustle play mattered, and the Rockets’ physicality overwhelmed a Memphis team still searching for rhythm.
Houston Keeps Climbing
With five straight victories and the league’s best offensive rhythm, Houston is shedding the label of a rebuilding team and emerging as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The Rockets are outscoring opponents by double digits during their win streak and rank first in the NBA in offensive rating and three-point percentage.
The chemistry between Thompson, Sengun, and Durant continues to evolve, and if this is what the Rockets look like in early November, the ceiling could be astronomical.
Five straight wins may not yet make them champions, but it’s clear now: Houston’s rocket isn’t just launching; it’s already in orbit.
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