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As I sit down to check today's Houston Rockets scores, I can't help but reflect on how basketball has truly become a global language. Just this morning, I was looking at international standings and noticed something fascinating - China's national team is currently dominating their group with that perfect 2-0 record. It's remarkable how the game has evolved, with talent emerging from every corner of the world, and tonight's Rockets game feels like part of that larger global basketball conversation.
Speaking of tonight's action, the Rockets are coming off what I'd call a character-building road trip. Having watched this team evolve over the past few seasons, I've developed a real appreciation for their young core. When Jalen Green gets going, there's an electricity in the arena that's hard to describe - you just have to experience it. Last night's game against the Lakers was particularly telling. The final score showed 118-112 in favor of Houston, but what the numbers don't capture is how the Rockets controlled the tempo for about 42 minutes of that game. Green finished with 34 points, and I've got to say, his mid-range game has improved dramatically since last season.
What really stood out to me was the fourth-quarter defense. The Rockets held the Lakers to just 18 points in the final period, which is exactly the kind of defensive identity Coach Udoka has been trying to build. Alperen Şengün, who I believe is one of the most underrated centers in the league, recorded another double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds. His footwork in the post reminds me of those classic big men from the 90s - just beautiful, fundamental basketball. The Rockets shot 47% from the field overall, which isn't spectacular, but they made shots when it mattered most.
Looking at the broader picture, Houston's recent performance reminds me of how international basketball has been evolving. That 2-0 record China's national team has achieved in their group stage demonstrates how global talent development has reached new heights. It's not just about the traditional basketball powerhouses anymore - we're seeing excellence emerge from unexpected places, much like how the Rockets have been finding gems in the draft and international markets. The connectivity between domestic NBA performance and international basketball growth has never been more apparent.
Tonight's game against the Warriors presents another fascinating test. Golden State comes in with their veteran lineup, but I've noticed the Rockets match up surprisingly well against them this season. The key, in my view, will be containing Stephen Curry while exploiting the paint where Houston has a clear size advantage. Having watched every Rockets-Warriors matchup this season, I'm particularly interested to see how Jabari Smith Jr. handles the defensive assignments. His length could cause real problems for Golden State's perimeter players.
The Rockets are currently sitting at 28-34 for the season, which might not look impressive at first glance, but considering they won only 22 games all last season, the progress is undeniable. What's more impressive is their home record of 18-15 - they've really made the Toyota Center a tough place for visitors this year. I remember attending games last season where the energy felt flat, but this year there's a different vibe entirely. The young players are buying into the system, and the veterans they brought in have provided exactly the leadership this team needed.
From a strategic perspective, Houston's offensive rating has improved from 109.3 last season to 114.6 this year. That's a significant jump, and it shows in how they're moving the ball. The assist numbers are up, the turnover percentage is down, and they're taking smarter shots. Defensively, there's still work to do - their defensive rating of 116.8 places them in the bottom third of the league - but the improvement from last season's disastrous 118.6 shows they're moving in the right direction.
As we look ahead to the rest of the season, I'm particularly excited about the development of Amen Thompson. The rookie has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in transition where his athleticism is just overwhelming. His 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench last game might not jump off the stat sheet, but when you watch him play, you see the potential. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a cornerstone of this franchise within the next two seasons.
The global basketball landscape continues to shift, and Houston's rebuilding process mirrors that international growth in many ways. Just as China's national team has built that impressive 2-0 group stage record through strategic player development and system implementation, the Rockets are methodically constructing their own path to relevance. It's a slow process, certainly tested my patience at times, but the progress is becoming increasingly visible with each passing week.
Watching tonight's game, I'll be paying close attention to how the Rockets handle the Warriors' motion offense. In their last meeting, Houston struggled with the constant movement and screening, but that was nearly two months ago. This team has grown significantly since then, and I suspect we might see a different outcome tonight. The Rockets have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 games, which tells me they're competing hard even in losses. That kind of resilience is exactly what you want to see from a young team finding its way in this league.
