Hornets Extend Streak to Eight as Rockets’ Offensive Struggles Continue

The Houston Rockets’ recent momentum stalled again this week, and the Charlotte Hornets took full advantage. Charlotte secured its eighth consecutive victory, continuing one of the franchise’s most impressive runs in decades and handing Houston another frustrating defeat.

The loss dropped the Rockets to 31–19 and highlighted an emerging pattern. When Houston’s offense sputters, wins have been hard to come by. In each of their last three defeats, the Rockets failed to reach the 100-point mark, underscoring ongoing scoring inconsistency.

For the Hornets, the streak carries historical weight. It marks the team’s longest stretch of victories since the 1998–99 season, a reminder of how rarely sustained success has come to the organization in recent years.

For Houston, however, the conversation afterward focused less on Charlotte’s surge and more on familiar tactical questions — particularly how opponents are targeting center Alperen Şengün in pick-and-roll defense.

1. Opponents Target the Middle

Following the game, head coach Ime Udoka was asked about a recurring strategy teams have used against the Rockets: attacking Şengün in space through pick-and-roll actions. Udoka’s response was direct and matter-of-fact. “It’s been the case since I’ve been here. So no difference there,” he said, suggesting the coaching staff views it as a known challenge rather than a new vulnerability. Şengün has built his reputation on offensive versatility — scoring inside, facilitating from the post and acting as a hub for Houston’s half-court sets. But defensively, questions remain about his foot speed and rim protection. Opponents often try to pull him away from the basket, forcing switches or isolations that test his mobility. It’s a tactic teams believe can create mismatches late in possessions.

2. Support Around Şengün

Udoka, however, doesn’t appear overly concerned. The Rockets have constructed a roster with multiple defenders capable of covering for one another, allowing them to absorb weaknesses in specific matchups. Players such as Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith provide length, strength and versatility across the lineup. Collectively, they’re expected to offset any defensive limitations. The idea is balance rather than perfection. Houston doesn’t need Şengün to be an elite stopper if the rest of the unit can rotate and protect the paint. Still, against Charlotte, the formula didn’t click. Defensive breakdowns and cold shooting combined to create an early deficit the Rockets couldn’t overcome.

3. A Tough Night and a Quick Turnaround

Şengün struggled to find rhythm offensively, finishing with just seven points on 3-of-11 shooting. He added nine rebounds and five assists but logged only 28 minutes as Udoka turned to the bench late with the game out of reach. Houston trailed by as many as 22 points, a gap that proved too large to close. Despite flashes of individual production, the Rockets couldn’t generate sustained runs. Kevin Durant paced Houston with 31 points, along with three rebounds and five steals, though six turnovers blunted some of his impact and stalled key possessions. With the Hornets surging and the Rockets searching for consistency, Houston now shifts focus to its next test against the Oklahoma City Thunder, hoping to rediscover offensive flow before the standings tighten further.