How The Rockets Can Continue Their Success Into The Postseason

The Rockets just got a big win against the Knicks, a performance that could be recreated throughout the rest of the season.

Mar 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) attempts to get control of the ball away from New York Knicks center/forward Mitchell Robinson (23) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

After one of the Houston Rockets' best performances of the season, the team is seeming more confident in their play than they have since the All-Star Break. The offense is free flowing, the defense is back to being suffocating, and Head Coach Ime Udoka is trusting his younger players to step up and take leadership over both sides of the ball.

If that trust can continue into the postseason, the Rockets have a significant chance to continue their success for the playoffs.

While Coach Udoka said before the New York Knicks game that Reed Sheppard wouldn't start, it's clear Sheppard was still going to be a featured part of the team's offense. Sheppard helped stretch the floor and handle the ball against the Knicks' defenders. He also played with better energy on defense and found more success on that end against New York offensive players.

Tari Eason started in place of Sheppard, looking more and more like the player who started the season wearing No. 17.

Eason has had more energy chasing after rebounds and attacking the paint. His abilty to get offensive rebounds has always been his deadliest trait, and he's even more deadly when his outside shot falls.

Jabari Smith Jr.'s outside shot was also falling, and his play recently has been reflective of a player much more confident in taking shots he's comfortable with and getting to spots he can truly do damage. He has been able to knock down deep shots in transition, and he has been able to get more open shots from the passing ability of his top three players.

Alperen Şengün is the main connecting piece tying the offense together. He threw out 10 assists in the game against the Knicks, getting players open and hitting slashers to keep the offense flowing. Kevin Durant had eight assists as the player that attracts the most attention on offense, and Amen Thompson had eight assists of his own.

The performance of this top trio is crucial for any success the team finds for the rest of the season. When these players are playing well, the rest of the team is able to find open spaces and take much more efficient shots with their opportunities. The top trio also needs their teammates to pay off their trust by knocking down shots and making good decisions.

When the team has balance like they've shown in recent weeks, they may have a chance to do some damage when the postseason rolls around.