Steven Adams’ Dominance Fuels Rockets’ Best Start in Years and a Return to Old-School Physicality

The Houston Rockets are off to their strongest start in half a decade, opening the season at 7–3 and posting an average margin of victory not seen in the franchise since its championship era. Their blend of physicality, discipline, and efficiency has placed them near the top of the league on both ends, signaling a dramatic shift from recent rebuilding seasons. But arguably the most striking component of Houston’s resurgence has been its dominance on the glass.

This is not just a team rebounding well — it’s rebounding at a historic level. Through the first 10 games, the Rockets have posted a plus-12.2 rebounding margin, the best mark through this stage of a season by any NBA team since 1975. That edge has served as the foundation of their 7–3 start and allowed them to control tempo, create second chances, and compensate for a low-volume three-point approach.

Central to that rebounding surge is veteran center Steven Adams, whose arrival over the offseason has reshaped the team’s interior presence. Despite modest scoring numbers, Adams has become one of Houston’s most impactful players, providing forceful rebounding, screening, and energy in limited minutes.

As the Rockets continue to climb the standings, Adams’ physical approach and veteran steadiness have emerged as defining features of a team that appears ready to compete sooner than expected.

1. Adams’ Impact on Houston’s Historic Rebounding Pace

Steven Adams’ influence is at the heart of Houston’s astonishing rebounding surge. Signed to a three-year deal this offseason, Adams has given the Rockets exactly what they hoped for when they increased his playing time late last year. Even with fewer than 22 minutes per game, he is averaging nearly nine rebounds and ranking among the league’s leaders in offensive boards. His ability to generate extra possessions was on full display during Wednesday’s win over Washington, where he posted a plus-23 in the first half alone — despite logging just eight minutes. Those moments have become typical, not extraordinary, as Adams consistently tilts the floor whenever he checks in. Houston currently leads the NBA in rebounding by a comfortable margin, pulling down at least 1.5 more boards per game than any other team. That dominance has fueled an offense that ranks third in points per game, even though the Rockets attempt the fewest threes in the league. Their physical control of the paint has allowed them to generate efficient scoring opportunities inside. After years of relying on youth and developing pieces, Houston now has a dependable veteran anchor who has given structure to its style — and Adams’ early-season form has made him indispensable.

2. Durant Praises a Familiar Teammate’s Evolution

Kevin Durant has quickly embraced playing alongside Adams again, reuniting with the veteran center for the first time since their Oklahoma City days nearly a decade ago. Durant’s admiration reflects both appreciation for Adams’ skill set and respect for his durability. Durant noted that Adams still moves and finishes with the same energy he displayed early in his career, crediting the big man for maintaining his physicality and mastering the nuances of his role. He emphasized Adams’ screening, rim-running, and rebounding — areas that have made him one of the league’s most reliable interior presences. The star forward also acknowledged Adams’ resilience, pointing to the injuries he has overcome as evidence of his toughness and professionalism. Durant said Adams’ dedication has allowed him to remain a high-level contributor, even as the league’s pace and style have changed. For Houston, that veteran synergy is invaluable. Durant’s presence has amplified Adams’ importance on the roster, while Adams’ physical foundation has given Durant and the Rockets’ scorers a more stable platform to operate from.

3. A More Complete Version of Adams Elevates Houston’s Ceiling

Houston made its intentions clear early in the offseason by signing Adams before any other roster move — including the eventual trade that brought Durant to the team. That decision has paid off quickly, as Adams’ presence has helped accelerate the Rockets’ rise from rebuilding team to competitive Western Conference threat. One of the most surprising aspects of Adams’ improvement has come at the free-throw line. Long known as a subpar foul shooter, Adams has jumped from a career 53% to a career-high 79% this season, an improvement he credits in part to Durant’s guidance and support. Adding consistency at the line gives Houston yet another late-game advantage and makes Adams more playable in crunch-time situations. Head coach Ime Udoka has emphasized physicality and discipline since his arrival, and Adams embodies that philosophy. His willingness to do the hard, often unglamorous work has helped establish a culture rooted in toughness — a quality the Rockets had been missing in recent seasons. As Houston pushes forward, Adams’ leadership, effort, and unique skill set have become key pillars of a team showing signs of real postseason aspirations.