The Houston Rockets’ stats tell a story few expected to see this soon. After years of rebuilding and a turbulent start to the 2025–26 NBA season, Houston has exploded into one of the league’s most complete and statistically dominant teams.
Through five games, the Rockets lead the NBA in several key categories, including points per game (127.8), plus-minus (+13.6), and free throws made (27.6); numbers that speak to an offensive juggernaut clicking on all levels.
What makes these early results even more impressive is that they’ve come without Fred VanVleet, the team’s veteran point guard sidelined by an ACL tear. Instead, Houston’s blend of youth, size, and star power has produced an identity built on balance and aggression.
Rockets Early Season Stats Reveal a Surprising Powerhouse
The Rockets’ offensive evolution under Ime Udoka has been staggering. Through the first two weeks of the season, Houston ranks 1st in Points Per Game (127.8), 1st in Plus-Minus (+13.6), 1st in Free Throws Made (27.6), and 5th in Field Goal Percentage (50.3%).
Those numbers place the Rockets ahead of even established contenders like Denver and Boston in overall offensive efficiency. With Kevin Durant anchoring the half-court scoring and Alperen Sengun orchestrating plays like a modern-day point center, Houston’s attack has become one of the most unpredictable and versatile in the league.
The team’s ability to generate free throws at a league-best rate underscores their aggression; Houston isn’t settling for jump shots. Durant is averaging nearly 10 free-throw attempts per game, his highest mark in over a decade, while Şengün adds another 8.5 attempts per night, showcasing how both stars relentlessly pressure defenses inside.
Dominating the Glass and Controlling the Paint
Houston’s offense may grab headlines, but their rebounding presence is nearly as elite. Ranking third in total rebounds (48.4) and fifth in blocks (6.0), the Rockets are consistently creating extra possessions and controlling tempo on both ends.
That dominance comes largely from the team’s size. Udoka’s “jumbo” starting lineup, featuring players all 6-foot-7 or taller, has turned the Rockets into a nightmare matchup on the boards. Steven Adams and Amen Thompson have been instrumental in cleaning up missed shots, while Tari Eason and Josh Okogie bring relentless energy off the bench.
Those second-chance opportunities feed directly into the Rockets’ offensive rhythm. When Sengun and Durant share the floor, Houston is averaging over 1.35 points per possession, a number that would shatter franchise records if sustained over a full season.
Taking Care of the Ball
Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Houston’s offensive dominance has been its discipline. Despite playing at a fast pace and relying heavily on ball movement, the Rockets rank 27th in turnovers (7.2 per game), meaning they commit the third-fewest turnovers in the NBA.
That ball security has been crucial to sustaining their explosive offense. It allows Houston to maximize possessions, maintain tempo, and convert at one of the league’s highest rates. With playmakers like Sengun initiating the attack and Kevin Durant providing stability in half-court sets, the Rockets have found a balance between creativity and control.
The Rockets aren’t just scoring efficiently; they’re doing it while keeping mistakes to a minimum, a mark of maturity that bodes well for a deep playoff run.
The Durant–Sengun Blueprint
At the heart of everything lies the connection between Durant and Sengun, who have already emerged as one of the league’s most productive frontcourt duos. Durant’s veteran poise complements Sengun’s playmaking flair, giving Houston a dynamic inside-out combination few teams can counter.
Their chemistry has also allowed younger players like Thompson, Eason, and Reed Sheppard to thrive in secondary roles. Thompson’s athleticism has been key in transition, while Eason’s shooting resurgence provides spacing that keeps defenses honest.
For the first time in years, Houston is one producing tangible results backed by numbers that scream contender.
A Promising Start With Room to Grow
Sitting atop the league in scoring, efficiency, and momentum, the Rockets’ start to the 2025–26 season is both exciting and revealing. The data paints the picture of a team evolving faster than expected, one that’s already playing like a postseason threat.
Whether they can sustain it over 82 games remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Houston Rockets’ early season stats aren’t a fluke. They’re the product of a system, and a roster, finally realizing its potential.
If this is what early-season chemistry looks like, the rest of the NBA should be on notice.
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