The Houston Rockets suffered their latest defeat on Sunday night.
The Golden State Warriors pushed past the Rockets and won, 106-95, giving Houston an 0-3 record.
Even though they lost, there were things to admire about the Rockets.
After the game, Draymond Green of the Warriors talked about a major difference with the Rockets this season.
According to Kelly Iko, Green said that before, the Warriors “would have won this game before by 20 or 30 points because [the Rockets] would have quit.”
He went on: “But they’re under Ime [Udoka] now, that’s a different thing.”
Draymond Green: “This team, we would have won this game before by 20 or 30 points because that team would have quit. But they’re under Ime (Udoka) now, that’s a different thing.” https://t.co/mFOsjna9mZ
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) October 30, 2023
Ime Udoka came to the team during a very transformative offseason.
Not only did they get a new head coach but the Rockets also acquired new players like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
Those athletes, along with up-and-coming young teammates, give the Rockets the best chance they’ve had in years.
Despite that, things haven’t started smoothly.
Right off the bat, they were given a humbling defeat on opening night with a 116-86 defeat to the Orlando Magic.
Following that, they were taken down by the San Antonio Spurs, 126-122, and ultimately the Warriors on Sunday.
But Green is right when he said the team has more fight and focus than before.
Udoka is trying to follow the model he used during his brief tenure with the Boston Celtics.
He is attempting to funnel the youthful energy of the team into stamina and grit.
It worked out well with the Celtics and led them all the way to the NBA Finals.
Few people expect that from the Rockets this year but if Udoka and his players continue to build upon a strong foundation, they could be heading to the playoffs within the next few years.
The Rockets might not win a lot this season but it takes time for such huge changes.
NEXT: Draymond Green Announces His Return Date To The Basketball Court
