Ben DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wire, joins Next Up to review the Houston Rockets as they are currently on a five-game win streak after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-103 Saturday at the Toyota Center.
The Rockets are now 7-1 in March and 3-0 since Alperen Şengün sprained his ankle. "This season could have gone a number of directions after the All-Star break," but "we're in the final month of the season and [the Rockets] are still very much in the Play-In [Tournament] conversation," DuBose said.
DuBose credits head coach Ime Udoka with Rockets recent success after dealing with multiple injuries, but says "time will tell if they're able to sustain it."
Jalen Green has also had a recent surge after an up-and-down first half to the season, recording a double-double against the Cavaliers. Green has "become a much more dependable player."
Even though it us unlikely that the they will make the final spot in the Play-In Tournament, the Rockets have a young, talented core, including rookie Amen Thompson. Thompson has struggled with ball-handling and shot-making, but makes up for it with strong defense and rebounding. Thompson finds success in the starting lineup when "you let him operate off-the-ball."
Veteran Fred VanVleet had 16 assists on Saturday, and DuBose says VanVleet's value on the court is immense to his younger teammates. "Fred is an extension of Ime Udoka" and "the embodiment of that coaching staff on the floor."