Houston’s been on a five-game losing streak. Here’s how to stop it.
Houston we may have a problem. Not to overreact, but the Houston Rocket’s have lost the past five games. Not only have these losses been to teams Houston should have beaten (Twice to the Brooklyn Nets, once each to the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves), but Houston also was in all five of these games before collapsing. With all that said, there are three things Houston needs to do in order to get back on track.
Get Healthy
The key to this Rocket’s team is how deep they are. It feels like just yesterday when the Rockets were the healthiest team in the league. It’s safe to say that is not the case anymore. Tari Eason, Steven Adams, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, and Fred Vanvleet have all missed significant stretches. The three players Houston has missed the most are Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun. Sengun had consistently been the Rockets’ best player pre-injury, and Fred brings a steady hand with a calming presence. Additionally, Jabari provides more versatility at the five spots as Jabari allows Houston to play a small-ball lineup.
Limit Turnovers
The next thing the Rockets need to do to avoid these bad losses is to take better care of the basketball. For example, in the fourth quarter versus the Knicks on Monday, the Rockers committed SIX turnovers which led to 14 points for the Knicks. Comparing that number to the Knicks, who only gave up one turnover that quarter which led to zero Rockets points. if Houston had taken better care of the ball down the stretch, it is likely that they win this game. However, as of right now, I am the least concerned with turnovers out of all the items on this list, as the Rockets have shown that they are a team that can take good care of the basketball.
Learn How to Close Out Games
Honestly, this last item is as much on Ime Udoka as it is on the players. Ime should not and I repeat SHOULD NOT be messing around with his lineups to close out games. Have either your starters or your five best guys that game on the court PERIOD. However, it is on the players to not make stupid plays (I am looking at you Tari Eason for fouling Darius Garland on a three while up two).
With all that said, I hope you all enjoyed my rant session, and remember this is a safe space to let out your frustrations. As always, go Rockets.