While the Houston Rockets have stormed to an impressive 10-4 record behind the league’s top-ranked offense, underlying statistics reveal two critical weaknesses that threaten their championship aspirations.
HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the NBA’s early-season surprises, boasting a formidable 10-4 record and the league’s best offensive rating (122.5) through their first 14 games. However, beneath the surface of their successful start lurk two troubling trends that could undermine their progress as the season intensifies.
Nov 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to get control of the ball away from Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The loss of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a preseason torn ACL has created a persistent playmaking void that statistics clearly illustrate. Houston currently ranks last in the NBA in assist percentage at 57.1%, revealing an offense heavily reliant on individual brilliance rather than systematic ball movement.
“Most of [Houston’s] baskets are not coming from good ball movement, but rather guys like Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson working off the dribble,” team analysts noted following Friday’s 112-109 NBA Cup loss to Denver.
The issue became starkly evident in that defeat against the Nuggets. When both Durant and Şengün struggled with their shots, the Rockets’ offense stagnated, managing only 12 first-quarter points against elite defensive pressure.
Compounding their offensive concerns, the Rockets rank in the bottom third of the league in ball security, sitting 20th in turnovers per game (15.7) and 21st in turnover percentage (15.7%). The absence of VanVleet’s steady ball-handling has left the team vulnerable to defensive pressure, often disrupting offensive sets before they can fully develop.
Despite these concerns, Houston’s overall performance remains impressive. The team ranks 7th in defensive rating (112.1) and is on pace to set a record for rebounding percentage (currently 40.9%), demonstrating their commitment to two-way basketball.
The Rockets face a critical test in the coming weeks: can they develop the playmaking and poise needed to compete with elite teams when their stars face defensive pressure? How they address these issues will ultimately determine whether their promising start translates into legitimate championship contention.