© Tim Warner | 2024 Mar 21
HOUSTON, TX — After their 127-117 win over the Chicago Bulls, the Houston Rockets have extended their win streak to an impressive seven games. Possibly the most impressive part of the win streak is that their last five wins have been without their star center Alperen Sengun.
There are several reasons as to why the Houston Rockets have strung together these wins, but the two main key factors as to why they have won has been the emergence of Jalen Green, and their team efforts as a whole.
Jalen Green's Emergence as a Star
Former second overall pick, Jalen Green, has pushed his name back into the mainstream media after him and his team’s recent play.
Ever since Sengun went down with a leg injury a little over a week ago, Green has been putting on a clinic by averaging, 32.8 PTS 8.3 REBS and 3 AST over his last four games. These number have proven to be no fluke because when you look at Greens averages over the last 11 games, he is averaging, 27.2 PTS 5.8 REBS and 3.3 AST.
Many are beginning to question whether Green can continue this hot streak or if he will eventually cool off. But a recent post-game interview has led fans to believe that Green’s new-born baby is the emerging guard new-found motivation that has unlocked his current level of play.
In the post-game interview of the Rockets recent win over the Washington Wizards, Green’s response when asked what is motivating his was, “My Family, my baby”.
Houston’s Success as a Team
These wins are not only stringing together because of Jalen Green’s recent play, but because the team has begun to play as one, which has led to them being efficient on both sides of the ball over the last seven games.
The largest reason for this team being able to play so well without their star player is the veteran presence on the team that they didn’t just one season ago. The additions of players like Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, and Fred VanVleet this offseason has changed the mentality and culture of this young team and has helped all of their young talent grow throughout the season.
Have We Seen This Story Before?
Even though only two of the seven straight victories have come against teams with a winning record this season, this youthful Houston Rockets recent play has reminded me a lot of the 2020 Phoenix Suns, who finished their season on an eight-game win streak, which almost pushed the team into the playoffs.
This run that is being made by the Rockets very well could push them into the Play-In Tournament where the team can attempt to punch their ticket in to the playoffs.
The Rockets will hope to continue their impressive win streak at home against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.