What the Thunder revealed about the Rockets — and why their decline can’t be ignored before the trade deadline

HOUSTON – When the Oklahoma City Thunder drilled a three-pointer with 60 seconds left at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Rockets coach Ime Udoka, visibly upset by his team’s mistakes, stormed the court toward Reed Sheppard.

Sheppard, responsible for two of the three open looks – media mix and contact – could hang his head while Udoka ordered the second guard to take his seat on the bench, before trying to save the rest of the game.

Advertisement

A flurry of mistakes by Houston turned what had been a tight contest up until that point into a nine-point deficit that the Rockets never recovered from. But Udoka’s outburst was not just an isolated incident in a long period of time. It was a stark reminder of the gulf that exists between the two franchises, a razor-thin illustration of the margin for error against the elite — and a possible indication that Houston’s previous position on the trade market may need to be revisited weeks before the deadline.

“Every game is important to us and we haven’t been playing our best,” said Udoka following Houston’s 111-91 loss. “Regardless of the record or anything, we need to stay focused on what we’re doing.”

Thursday night’s offensive fiasco was a microcosm of the problems surrounding this talented Rockets team as of late. The Thunder’s defensive game plan was simple: roll over Kevin Durant first and foremost, send more help on drives and potential pulls and lean physically to reduce the impact of Alperen Şengün’s elbows. For about 40 minutes, Durant had no room to breathe, with arms, legs and everything but the kitchen sunk in his way – that he finished with 19 points on 23 shots is not surprising, as was Şengün’s 14 points on 15 shots.

“I felt like I missed some good shots to be honest,” Durant said. “But they tightened up the paint, we got up and looked 104. My shooting has to motivate the whole team so if I don’t shoot, it pushes us. I have to be more prepared and sound good. I chased a few shots or wanted bad. I just have to be better.”

But just How Houston’s performance — struggling to get an advantage on 4-on-3s, failing to capitalize on its strengths on the offensive glass (25 points off 23 offensive rebounds) and another anemic shooting night (29 percent from three, 33 from the field) — told a big story where this team needs to be fixed. The Rockets have about as deep a basketball team as any of their Western Conference contenders, but they’re dealing with a lack of consistency and a starting quarterback.

Advertisement

A little over a month ago, the Rockets were second in the West with a solid 15-5 record. They went 8-10, have now lost five of their last seven, have a 10th-lowest defense and, since the new year, are 28th in offense. That they even sit in sixth place (23-15), half a game out of the Play-In, is a miracle and a testament to the talent of each individual on the roster.

[Subscribe to Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube]

Before the season, Houston implemented a play-by-committee plan; more opportunities for Şengün, Durant and Amen Thompson — and Sheppard. But actually over the course of the season, it’s becoming clear that Fred VanVleet’s absence is bigger than previously advertised. Udoka’s search for an adequate in-game planner led him to call up JD Davison, a two-way guard, ahead of Sheppard, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 Draft, the past two games. It shouldn’t come as a surprise — Udoka has used his young guards, including veteran Aaron Holiday — but the Rockets’ desperation only hurts their contention hopes over the next few months.

Accordingly, the Rockets brass have not shown any aggressive intent to improve their current roster as they have done in previous seasons, choosing not to react to what they see as an unsustainable slump. The Rockets didn’t care about Trae Young before he was traded, and they don’t care about Ja Morant or a seasoned veteran like Chris Paul. And they’re less willing to chase big names like LaMelo Ball or Darius Garland because of the potential problems associated with blockbuster deals of that nature.

Advertisement

Houston, according to team sources, has had discussions with about half the league — with more calls in and out expected in the next 10 days as the Feb. trade deadline approaches. 5 is getting close – but he doesn’t have a solid promise in any way which is cause for serious internal discussions. What they have is an understanding of what they are willing to do and the numbering of the groups they want. For example, the Rockets received several calls surrounding Tari Eason before he started, sources say – as well as inquiries about summer additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela – but nothing, as previously mentioned, is concrete.

Their current cap issues (Houston is locked into the first round) limit what they can do on the open market, but the Rockets have shown a willingness to move some of their draft money if the right improvements present themselves. Houston has a total of nine future first-round draft picks, including incoming first-round picks from Phoenix, Brooklyn and Dallas — and a slew of second-round picks.

Advertisement

At first glance, Houston’s approach to the trade deadline is understandable given the current climate. But, if the negative results continue and its downward spiral continues, changes are possible. And regardless of what’s thought to be at the top of the wish list — point guard help or scoring on the wing — the Rockets as currently constructed are at the bottom of the tournament list and could benefit from a pick or two before the window closes.