The Houston Rockets pulled off record-breaking stretch. After splitting their first two games of the NBA season, they went on to lose 15 straight games. Things got so bad that some wondered if the team would move on from head coach Stephen Silas.
While a lot of losses were expected, as Houston embarked on a rebuild this offseason, when a team is on pace to challenge for the lowest winning percentage in NBA history, a change could be considered. But, that no longer is on the table.
Houston reeled off seven consecutive victories following the 15 straight losses. It is the most wins in a row following a losing streak of that length in NBA history. The team has gotten things going offensively as they are sharing the ball and getting everyone involved.
While some skeptics believe the Rockets will return to their losing ways soon enough, the team’s confidence is rising.
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Following the game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Christian Wood admitted the streak has been a little bit surprising, but no one ever stopped believing in the team.
“A little surprising, but we’ve always believed,” Wood told ESPN on Friday. “We’ve always stayed together and always had that team chemistry. We know that we’re better than a 1-16 record and better than what we were showing. We never put our heads down. We just stayed together.
“I believe it’s real. Especially with Jalen Green being out, which is a key piece, points that [would be] on the board that are not. We’re still managing to win games. And with Kevin Porter Jr. out. I think we’re even better than we’re showing. We’re just clicking.”
Building a winning streak without your starting backcourt is certainly unexpected, but the Rockets are playing great basketball. They have players such as Garrison Mathews and Jae’Sean Tate picking up the slack with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. out of the lineup.
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There have been some impressive victories during this winning streak as well which could mean it is more real than some people believe. In addition to defeating the Eastern Conference-leading Nets, the Houston Rockets have defeated the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets.
The coaching staff and players deserve a lot of credit for continuing to work hard and get their season back on track as a 1-16 record would be enough for some people to throw in the towel on a season that hadn’t even reached Thanksgiving yet.
If the team can sustain this level of production on the offensive end of the court, they can remain competitive throughout the season. The veteran talents like Christian Wood and Eric Gordon will play a key role in doing so.
