What went wrong for Rockets? How Houston fell apart, from Kevin Durant's exposed burner account to first-round loss
The Houston Rockets won 52 games this season but failed to improve on their previous year's performance and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Injuries, including Fred VanVleet's torn ACL and Steven Adams' limited availability, disrupted team continuity and forced role changes. Despite adding Kevin Durant, the team struggled with defensive inconsistencies and failed to meet expectations.
- ▪The Houston Rockets won 52 games but suffered a first-round playoff exit, matching last season's outcome.
- ▪Fred VanVleet's torn ACL before the season forced Amen Thompson into a point guard role and disrupted team chemistry.
- ▪Steven Adams played only 32 games, limiting the Rockets' depth and interior presence.
- ▪Kevin Durant joined the Rockets but the team still underperformed relative to expectations.
- ▪Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. both struggled on the defensive end throughout the season.
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