Opinion
3 min read

Can the Houston Rockets Outshine the Suns at Footprint Center?

As the Houston Rockets prepare to face off against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward the momentum from their recent performances. The Rockets, despite a rocky season, have shown flashes of brilliance that suggest they could be on the cusp of turning things around.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets holds the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on December 27, 2023 in Houston, Texas. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

In their last game on February 15 against the Memphis Grizzlies, HOU scored an impressive 113 points. However, it wasn't enough to secure a win as they fell short by 8 points in a high-scoring affair. The team's offensive rating stood at 111.5 and defensively they struggled with a rating of 120.9. They managed to draw fouls effectively and got to the free-throw line for 28 attempts but only converted 64 percent of those shots.


The bench contributed significantly with 46 points, demonstrating depth that could be pivotal against PHX. The fast break opportunities were there for HOU as well; converting over half of their attempts is an encouraging sign that they can exploit transitions against slower teams.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Udoka Azubuike #27 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a dunk in the third quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 27, 2023 in Houston, Texas. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

On February 13, in a closer contest with New York Knicks at Toyota Center, HOU edged out a win by scoring crucial baskets down the stretch to finish with a two-point lead. Their defensive efforts were notably better in this matchup as indicated by their defensive rating of 108.1 compared to an offensive rating of just over 111.


What stands out from these past games is HOU's ability to maintain leads when they establish them early on and how crucial bench scoring has been for them throughout this stretch.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets reacts after sinking a three point shot in the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on December 27, 2023 in Houston, Texas. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

Looking ahead at PHX's home advantage and considering how both teams have fared recently, it’s clear that HOU will need more than just hard work—they’ll need strategic execution on both ends of the floor if they hope to come out victorious.


The upcoming game scheduled for February 29th promises excitement and potentially another close finish if trends continue as seen in previous matchups involving these two teams this season.


Fans won't want to miss what could be one of HOU’s most important games yet as they attempt an upset away from home soil—can they harness their potential and deliver under pressure? Tune into Space City Home Network channel number 674 or AZFamily network depending on your locale for live coverage starting at 8:00 PM CST from Phoenix's Footprint Center.

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