Rockets Find Offensive Spark After Lineup Change, but Udoka Keeps Options Open

The Houston Rockets began their 2025–26 campaign experimenting with size, starting veteran center Steven Adams alongside Alperen Şengün in a towering frontcourt. The move made them the tallest starting five in NBA history, a clear reflection of coach Ime Udoka’s emphasis on rebounding and defensive presence. But after consecutive losses to open the season, Houston’s early formula wasn’t delivering results.

That changed when Udoka made a bold adjustment — swapping out Adams for the athletic and versatile Josh Okogie. The result was immediate. Houston reeled off two straight wins, scoring 137 points or more in both games — a feat the franchise hadn’t accomplished in over five decades, dating back to 1973.

The smaller lineup’s success was more than coincidence. With Okogie’s defensive energy and spacing, the Rockets’ pace and offensive flow improved dramatically. But Udoka, known for his defense-first mindset, isn’t ready to abandon the original double-big experiment just yet. “We’re still finding what fits best,” he said. “I like what Josh brings, but every matchup is different.”

For Udoka, the first week of the season has been about exploration — balancing power and pace, size and speed — as the Rockets look to establish an identity capable of contending deep into the season.

1. A Tale of Two Lineups

Houston’s contrasting starts highlight how drastically lineup composition can alter a team’s performance. With Adams in the starting five, the Rockets emphasized rebounding and interior dominance, ranking near the top of the league in offensive boards but struggling with tempo and spacing. Their offense stagnated, averaging just 107.5 points per game across the first two losses. When Okogie entered the lineup, everything changed. The Rockets’ offense exploded for 137 and 139 points in back-to-back wins, vaulting the team to No. 1 in offensive rating through four games. Ball movement improved, shooters found cleaner looks, and star forward Kevin Durant benefited most, hitting key second-chance threes created by the team’s increased pace and spacing. Udoka acknowledged the shift but credited both units for their contributions. “It worked out perfectly,” he said after the win over Toronto. “We’re either making the shot, getting the putback, or kicking it out to our shooters. It’s a good balance.” Still, the smaller lineup’s fluidity seems better suited to modern NBA play — especially given Houston’s perimeter talent. The Rockets’ two-game offensive surge suggests a potential long-term direction, even if Udoka insists the door remains open for further experimentation.

2. Balancing Defense and Identity

Despite the improved offense, Udoka remains mindful of the defensive trade-offs. The double-big lineup, anchored by Adams, offers superior rebounding and interior protection but often struggles against quicker, three-point-oriented teams. In contrast, Okogie’s presence improves defensive versatility and allows for more effective switching, but it reduces the Rockets’ dominance on the glass. “The offensive rebound is our first layer of transition defense,” Udoka explained before Wednesday’s game. “When we attack the boards, we stop opponents from leaking out.” But against Toronto, that advantage disappeared as the Raptors neutralized Houston’s rebounding edge with a barrage of open threes — many resulting from slow perimeter rotations in the 2-3 zone. Okogie helps alleviate those issues, providing perimeter defense and pace that Adams can’t. His ability to guard multiple positions also gives Udoka flexibility in late-game scenarios, where switchability often matters most. The coach mentioned that depending on matchups, players like Amen Thompson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and rookie Reed Sheppard could all see shifts in their roles as the team fine-tunes its defensive schemes. In short, Houston’s early season is serving as a live laboratory for Udoka — one where versatility, not rigidity, will determine success.

3. Early Lessons and Long-Term Goals

Udoka’s willingness to experiment reflects a long-view approach rarely seen in early-season basketball. Like an NFL team in September, the Rockets are using October to diagnose strengths and weaknesses before solidifying rotations. “We can go all sorts of ways,” Udoka said. “At some point, when we’re fully whole, we’ll zone in on one thing. But right now, our versatility gives us options.” That adaptability could prove essential for a team balancing veteran experience and youthful athleticism. Kevin Durant continues to lead the offense, while young players such as Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. provide bursts of energy and defensive upside. Okogie’s emergence as a connector piece—bridging both ends of the floor—has made the Rockets more dynamic and less predictable. Meanwhile, Adams’ rebounding and toughness remain valuable tools for certain matchups, especially against dominant frontcourts. Udoka’s challenge will be deciding when to lean into power and when to prioritize pace. For now, Houston’s early results suggest that the smaller, more mobile lineup offers a clearer path toward sustained offensive efficiency. The next stretch of games will test whether the Rockets’ newfound rhythm can hold against stronger competition, but the team’s early willingness to adapt has already paid dividends.