The Houston Rockets’ dominant run this season has become one of the most discussed storylines on platforms like Cricket Exchange, especially following their comfortable back-to-back win over the Milwaukee Bucks. On the surface, it may seem like just another victory, but a deeper dive into the numbers reveals a team firing on all cylinders—both offensively and defensively.
Statistically, this version of the Rockets is rewriting the franchise narrative. They currently rank first in the league in seven major categories: three-point attempts, three-point makes, limiting opponents’ offensive rebounds and total rebounds, offensive efficiency, free throw rate, and three-point attempt rate. Perhaps most surprising is their elite control of opponents’ rebounding, a testament to Clint Capela’s growing impact in the paint.
Twelve other key stats see them in the top three league-wide, including two-point shooting percentage, free throws made, steals, total scoring, and defensive rebounding percentage—highlighting their well-rounded offense. Even more impressively, their defensive rating stands at 107 points allowed per 100 possessions, ranking ninth in the NBA. This is a stark contrast to previous years when the Rockets were known solely for offense. This season, however, they’ve found a balance between scoring and defending, evolving from a good team into a legitimate championship contender—something Cricket Exchange followers have tracked closely.
Historically, only a few teams have managed both a 14-game and a 17-game win streak in a single season: the 2000 Lakers, the 1971 Bucks, and the 1947 Washington Capitols. The Lakers and Bucks both went on to win the title, suggesting a 50% championship probability for the Rockets based on precedent alone. But basketball isn’t played on spreadsheets, and this team’s real challenge lies ahead.
Their 17-game win streak began on January 29 with a win over the Suns and includes victories over strong teams like the Spurs, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Celtics, Thunder, and Bucks—nine of those opponents ranked in their conference’s top eight at the time. This consistency, even against playoff-caliber competition, suggests their success isn’t just the result of a soft schedule.
During the streak, Houston beat Phoenix by 11, Orlando by 7, San Antonio by 11, Cleveland by 32, Brooklyn by 10, Miami by 8, Denver by 26, Dallas by 7, Minnesota by 18 (twice), Sacramento by 9, Utah by 11, Clippers by 13, Boston by 3, OKC by 10, and Milwaukee by 11. Eleven of these were double-digit wins—proving their dominance. Only the Celtics managed to push them into a down-to-the-wire finish. The rest? The Rockets ran the show.
At the heart of this surge is their dual-engine system: James Harden and Chris Paul. It’s a seamless rotation—Harden runs the show, then Paul steps in, ensuring a top-tier point guard is always on the floor. And that’s the magic. A superstar point guard doesn’t just run plays; he amplifies role players and makes the entire team better. Cricket Exchange analytics have shown this rotational depth as a key to their offensive consistency.
What makes it even more lethal is the duo’s complementary styles. Harden brings explosive scoring and relentless attack, albeit with some turnover risk. Paul, more measured and precise, delivers in clutch moments and keeps the engine cool under pressure. Alone, either player is hard to handle. Together, they’re nearly unstoppable.
Unless something derails them, this Rockets team is poised to shatter their franchise-record 58 wins and possibly reach 60. If they maintain form through the remaining 18 games, they’ll enter the playoffs with both momentum and belief. Up next, they face the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors—a litmus test for title readiness.
For now, the Rockets’ rise continues to capture attention on Cricket Exchange, where each stat, game, and streak is dissected in real-time. If they can clear this hurdle, there may be no stopping them from reaching the long-awaited Western Conference Finals—and possibly beyond.