Rockets Have Left 'a Bunch of Wins on the Table' to Begin Phase II
HOUSTON — When the Houston Rockets began to lay the groundwork for the 2023-24 season, management vowed they were ready to move past the consistent losing that has plagued the organization over the previous three seasons. During each press conference held throughout the off-season, the Rockets made it clear that the franchise was ready to move into Phase II of their rebuilding project.
With 24 wins on the season, the Rockets have eclipsed their win total of the previous three years. But if the NBA Play-In Tournament began today, Houston would be on the outside looking in.
General manager Rafael Stone believes the team has done a better job staying competitive when compared to the previous years. However, Stone believes there is one major problem that has plagued the franchise this season.
Rockets general manager Rafael Stone
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"We have left a bunch of wins on the table through all kinds of mistakes," Stone said. "You get better through experience. We demand that as our guys get more experience, they learn from it in hopes of not making the same mistake twice."
The Rockets' final game before the All-Star break coincides with Stone's disappointment. A 121-113 victory for the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies broke a nine-game losing streak on Feb. 14, while the Rockets fell to 5-21 on the road.
Houston has 28 games left to save its season. And coming out of the All-Star break, they will close their four-game regular-season series against the New Orleans Pelicans. Entering the Smoothie King Center, the Rockets have recorded a 2-1 record.
They are 12th in the Western Conference and trail the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz for the 10th and final spot for the Play-In Tournament.
