{
  "id": 12385691,
  "title": "The Rockets are a huge pain in the ass in the best way possible",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/the-rockets-are-a-huge-pain-in-the-ass-in-the-best-way-possible",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:16:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/nba/1131317/houston-rockets-season-preview-2026-27-steven-adams-fred-vanvleet-return"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Houston Rockets have become an unexpected success story in the 2024-25 NBA season, finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference and pushing the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors, to the brink. However, their journey was not without setbacks, as they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in a disappointing series. Despite these challenges, there is reason to believe that the Rockets can overcome their current struggles and become a dominant force in the league.\n\nOne of the key reasons for this optimism is the return of two crucial players for the Rockets: Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet. Adams, the best offensive rebounder in the league, helped create second-chance opportunities that the team struggled with during his absence. With Adams back on the court, the Rockets' offensive rating and net rating improved significantly. VanVleet, who organized the team and set up his teammates, was instrumental in the Rockets' success last season. His absence last year resulted in the Rockets being 28.1 points per 100 possessions worse offensively when he was off the court.\n\nThe Rockets' roster is still young and has room for internal improvement. Five of their top six players in total minutes played last year are under the age of 25. Headliner Amen Thompson, who signed a significant extension this offseason, is expected to lead the team to even greater heights. Thompson's performance improved when VanVleet and Adams returned, and his presence will help ease the burden on younger players like Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Tari Eason.\n\nKevin Durant, the Rockets' star player, has struggled to take on a heavier workload in the past. However, with VanVleet and Adams back, Durant will have more support and be able to focus on his strengths. Marcus Smart, a marquee offseason addition to the team, brings the same gritty nature and court vision as VanVleet, making him a valuable asset in the Rockets' lineup.\n\nIn conclusion, while the Houston Rockets faced setbacks in the 2024-25 season, the return of Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet, combined with the team's youthful talent and potential, creates a promising outlook for the future. With the right mix of experience and young talent, the Rockets may finally realize their full potential and become the dominant team they were in the early stages of their resurgence.",
  "summary": "In 2022-23, the Sacramento Kings became the darlings of the league, storming to the third-best record in the Western Conference, ending a dreaded playoff drought, and pushing the then-reigning champion Golden State Warriors to the brink in a cinematic seven-game series. At the time, that seemed like the genesis of something beautiful. But alas, it […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Houston Rockets finished 2nd in Western Conference with second-best record",
    "Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet's return boosts team's offensive rating",
    "Young roster with five players under 25, Amen Thompson expected to lead"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}