Rockets’ Winning Streak Grows as Wall Analyzes Team’s Progress

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Rockets have surged to a remarkable 46-25 record in the 2024-25 NBA season, showcasing their impressive growth under new head coach Ime Udoka. The team’s winning streak of nine games has solidified their place as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, demonstrating the effectiveness of their rebuild following the trade of star James Harden in January 2021.

Initially, the Rockets faced challenges during their transition period, notably with veteran point guard John Wall. After the 2021 season, Wall found himself sidelined due to the team’s preference for developing their younger players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green. Ultimately, Houston and Wall parted ways, with Wall’s contract being resolved in the off-season of 2022.

Despite the rough ending, Wall has recently praised his former team’s developments. In a full-circle moment, he made an appearance as a studio analyst for NBA TV during the Rockets’ recent game against the Miami Heat. Reflecting on the current roster, Wall noted, “For Jalen Green, what he’s been doing on the defensive end is the reason why I think he’s taken this jump. Having veterans like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams providing guidance has helped him improve as a player,” he continued.

Green has emerged as the Rockets’ leading scorer this season with an impressive average of 21.2 points per game, showcasing the strides he has made in becoming a more well-rounded player. Wall’s tenure with Green was short; the two never played together in a game due to Wall’s absence from the court. Still, Green acknowledged Wall’s influence on his early career, crediting him for providing valuable development tips.

As the Rockets head into a crucial matchup against the Denver Nuggets, the stakes are high. The Rockets currently lead the Nuggets by two games in the standings. Both teams are vying for a higher playoff seed, and the Nuggets are dealing with the absence of their star player, Nikola Jokic, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury.

A win for the Rockets would not only extend their lead over the Nuggets to three games but also give them a secure tiebreaker advantage as they have already won two out of three matchups this season. With 11 games remaining in the regular season, the pressure is mounting, and the Rockets are ready to defend their home court.

Houston’s performance at the Toyota Center has been strong, sporting a home record of 26-10 this season. However, the night promises challenges, especially with Aaron Gordon‘s recent surge for the Nuggets. Gordon scored a career-high 38 points in his last game, which the Rockets will need to contend with if they hope to maintain their winning streak.

As the Rockets continue their push for the playoffs, the adjustments made under Udoka seem to be paying dividends. The team’s trajectory looks promising, reminiscent of a turnaround story that has unfolded amid the rebuild.