Rockets Extend Win Streak to Six with Impressive Victory Over NBA Champions Nuggets

Rockets Extend Win Streak to Six with Impressive Victory Over NBA Champions Nuggets

In the past three seasons, a November visit to Houston was often seen as an easy win by most NBA teams. The Rockets held the league’s worst record in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons and only marginally improved to the second-worst position last season. However, after three years of strategic rebuilding, the Rockets decided it was time for a change. This season, they entered to win, and so far, they have delivered.

Under the guidance of new coach Ime Udoka and the acquisitions of free agents Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets, with a 6-3 record, have secured the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference. Before this season, they hadn’t held a top-four seed in the West since August 14, 2020. If Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Rockets are determined to establish themselves at the top and maintain their position for the long haul.

Facing the defending champion Denver Nuggets, who boasted the NBA’s best record at 8-1, the Rockets demonstrated a significant shift from their performance in recent years. The Rockets hadn’t defeated the Nuggets in a game of consequence since January 2020, but these are not the same old Rockets. In a pivotal matchup, the Rockets triumphed over the Nuggets with a score of 107-104.

This victory marked their sixth consecutive win after an initial 0-3 start to the season, and it was the new additions who shone on both ends of the court. Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, while Dillon Brooks anchored a defense that limited the Nuggets to their second-lowest point total of the season. Alperen Sengun, expressing admiration for Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, contributed 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, proving instrumental in fending off Denver’s spirited comeback attempt in the final five minutes.

While it’s too early to predict the Rockets’ final standing this season, it’s worth noting that they didn’t secure their sixth win until their 22nd game last season. The days of being a disorganized team without a winning mindset are behind them. The current Rockets, as evidenced by their ability to defeat the defending champions, are a formidable force capable of competing with any team in the league.