Rockets Surge: KD’s Return, 7 Straight Wins Fuel Playoff Push

Rockets Surge: KD’s Return, 7 Straight Wins Fuel Playoff Push

The NBA regular season is winding down, with just five days left and playoff seeding still up for grabs in the Western Conference. Every spot, except for the Golden State Warriors locked into 10th place, is still in play. This makes games like the Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns matchup incredibly important for teams fighting for positioning.

This game was extra special because it marked Kevin Durant’s return to Houston after being traded there over nine months ago. The crowd remembered his game-winning three-pointer on January 5th, which sent the Suns home. Durant was back in a familiar arena, and the energy was high.

Chippy Play and Veteran Firepower

The game wasn’t just about Durant’s return; it got a little heated. During the game, there was a moment where Durant and Rockets’ Dillon Brooks seemed to exchange words. Lip readers suggested Durant was comparing their careers. This seemed to fuel both players, with Durant scoring 24 points and Brooks playing a key role for Houston.

Devin Booker also got involved in the conversations, and the intensity picked up. The Rockets, led by Amen Thompson’s impressive drives and dunks, pulled away in the fourth quarter. Thompson’s athleticism was on full display with a jam and a transition alley-oop finish, sealing the win for Houston.

“I don’t think about other guys when I play. I think he needed it more than I did. You know what I’m saying? Like he didn’t feel like he was a part of the game. He didn’t take a shot at that point and he was like 0 for four five and that gets him going, you know, and I think that got him going.”

Durant downplayed the trash talk, suggesting Brooks needed the motivation more than he did. He added that he doesn’t need external motivation from players like Brooks to perform at his best.

Rockets’ Playoff Position Rockets Skyrocket

This win is huge for the Rockets’ playoff hopes. With the loss, the Suns are locked into the 7th or 8th seed for the play-in tournament. The Rockets, however, can still climb as high as third or fall to sixth. Currently sitting in fifth place, Houston is just one game behind Denver.

The Rockets have won seven straight games, a remarkable turnaround. Just two weeks ago, after losing to the Lakers, they were in a precarious position. Now, they are not only playing excellent basketball, especially on offense, but they are tied with the Lakers for the fourth and fifth spots.

The Lakers’ Struggles and Rockets’ Opportunity

The Lakers are struggling to finish the season, making them the team other playoff contenders want to face. The Rockets are in a prime position to not only make the playoffs but potentially secure home-court advantage in the first round. This shows how quickly things can change in the NBA, with teams seizing opportunities.

Houston’s recent success is partly due to their improved play and partly due to the Lakers’ misfortune. The Lakers are dealing with injuries, making them vulnerable. This shift in fortune highlights the fluid nature of the NBA standings.

Thunder’s Dominance and Impressive Stats

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are showing why they are considered a top contender. Despite a tough night at the free-throw line for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed three free throws in a row and showed visible frustration, the Thunder rolled to a victory. This included a moment where SGA drove past Deandre Ayton, and later, a heated exchange between SGA and JJ Redick.

The Thunder are now just one win away from clinching home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. They have won their last three games by at least 35 points, setting an NBA record for the longest such streak. Their scoring differential is also among the best in league history.

“What else is new? I mean Deandre was just pounded enough to let you down.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an MVP-caliber season, on pace to become the first guard in NBA history to average 30 points while shooting 55% from the field. The Thunder’s dominance is undeniable, with multiple historic streaks and records.

Are the Thunder Better This Year?

The discussion continues about whether this year’s Thunder team is better than last year’s. While the stats might not show a massive leap, the team is deeper and more experienced. They’ve added key pieces and benefited from the development of young talent like AJ Mitchell, who is now a crucial part of their rotation.

The Thunder are strategically approaching the end of the season. By winning games decisively, they aim to clinch the top seed. This allows them to rest key players, like Jalen Williams, before the playoffs begin. Their goal is to enter the postseason healthy and prepared, potentially resting players in their final game against Denver if the top seed is secured.

This strategic approach, combined with their dominant play, suggests the Thunder are building momentum for a deep playoff run. They are looking to repeat their success and prove they are a true championship contender.

Source: Windy: Rockets are in 'GREAT POSITION' + Are the Thunder BETTER than last season? | NBA Today (YouTube)