Video After The Jump
The Houston Rockets are about to shock the NBA. No superstars. No elite three-point shooting. And yet—heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs—they’re the #2 seed in the Western Conference. How?
In this Hot Hand Theory video essay, we break down how the Houston Rockets’ unconventional, analytics-driven strategy is disrupting the modern NBA. From Alperen Sengun’s rise as a two-way centerpiece, to Amen Thompson’s elite defense and athleticism, to Ime Udoka’s culture-setting leadership, the Rockets are proving that winning basketball doesn’t have to follow the rules.
They lead the NBA in offensive rebound rate, dominate the possession battle, and boast one of the league’s best defenses—without relying on high-volume threes or isolation-heavy stars. It’s gritty, efficient basketball rooted in advanced stats, smart matchup exploitation, and a system-first mentality.
Watch as we dive into:
♦️ The math behind Houston’s top-10 offense despite below-average shooting
♦️ How their defense forces low-efficiency shots at every level
♦️ Why Ime Udoka is the mastermind behind this playoff-ready identity
♦️ What makes the Rockets the most dangerous underdog in the NBA Playoffs
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