After a breakout regular season that saw the Houston Rockets finish 52–30 and claim the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, expectations were sky-high entering the 2025 playoffs. But just a few games in, reality has hit hard — and fast.

The Rockets are struggling. And they look nothing like the team that took the league by storm from November through April.

What Happened to the Regular Season Magic?

Houston built its regular season success on cohesion, tempo, and a balanced offensive attack. Alperen Şengün functioned as a point-center, Jalen Green made strides in shot selection and efficiency, and Ime Udoka’s defensive schemes were sharp and consistent.

Now, that rhythm is gone.

In the playoffs, the Rockets’ offensive flow has dried up. Possessions are stagnating, spacing has become inconsistent, and their bench production — a key strength during the regular season — has evaporated.

Playoff Pressure Exposing Inexperience

One of the biggest factors? Youth.

Playoff basketball is a different beast. Defenses are tighter. Mistakes are magnified. And the Rockets’ inexperience is showing. Jalen Green has struggled with efficiency under increased defensive pressure, and Amen Thompson, while electric in the open floor, has looked overwhelmed at times in halfcourt playoff settings.

Alperen Şengün, who was one of the most improved players in the league this year, is seeing constant double-teams and physicality. Without the spacing or off-ball movement to relieve pressure, he’s being forced into rushed decisions — often leading to turnovers or contested looks.

Fred VanVleet: Veteran Voice, but Limited Impact

Houston’s lone playoff-tested veteran, Fred VanVleet, was supposed to be the calming presence in these moments — and to an extent, he has been. He’s doing his best to lead in the locker room, organize the offense, and settle down a jittery group.

But on the court, VanVleet’s limitations are showing. At 30, he’s not the same explosive finisher he once was, and opponents are daring him to beat them with volume shooting. He only averages 8.8 points and 5 assists, in 21.9% from the 3-point range.

This isn’t to say VanVleet has been bad — he’s still bringing leadership, hustle, and the occasional clutch bucket — but the Rockets were hoping for more from the man who won a title in 2019. The challenge now is whether he can summon a vintage performance when Houston needs it most.

Ime Udoka’s Adjustments Falling Short

To his credit, head coach Ime Udoka has tried to adapt. He’s shortened the rotation, inserted more veteran defenders like Dillon Brooks and Aaron Holiday for stability, and slowed the tempo to manage possessions.

But so far, it hasn’t clicked.

The Rockets are struggling to string together consistent stretches of elite play. Their defense, while solid on paper, has been vulnerable to mismatches — especially when facing Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Growing Pains, or a Bigger Concern?

It’s important to put things in perspective. This is the first playoff run for many of Houston’s core players. The bright lights of the postseason often expose a young team’s flaws before they fully form their identity.

What’s happening to Houston right now isn’t uncommon. Many great teams have stumbled before learning how to win in April and May. This could be the growing pains stage of something much bigger.

But it’s also a reality check. The Rockets aren’t quite ready — not yet. Their regular season record showed they’re ahead of schedule. This series versus the Golden State Warriors are showing they still have steps to climb.

What Comes Next?

The series isn’t over, but the urgency is real. If the Rockets want to salvage their playoff run, they’ll need far more consistency from Jalen Green, whose hot-and-cold performances have thrown the offense out of rhythm. One night he looks like a rising star; the next, he’s forcing shots and disappearing for long stretches. Houston needs him to find balance — not just highlights. In addition, a simplified offensive approach and a vintage showing or two from veteran leader Fred VanVleet could help steady the ship before it’s too late.

One thing’s for sure: the future is still bright in Houston. But the present? It’s looking a lot tougher than expected.

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