How the Houston Rockets and Spurs Are Taking Opposite Paths This Season

The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs entered the NBA season with young cores, rising expectations, and a shared hope of climbing the Western Conference ladder. But the two franchises have taken dramatically different routes, and the gap between them continues to widen. For Houston, that’s very good news.

According to reporting from Sports Illustrated, Houston has surged forward behind improved defense, stronger leadership, and a roster that looks more cohesive each week. In contrast, San Antonio, despite the hype around Victor Wembanyama, has struggled to translate potential into wins.

Different Phases, Different Momentum

The Rockets’ growth is no accident. Under coach Ime Udoka, Houston has committed to a defensive identity that keeps them competitive every night. Young stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun continue to evolve, while veterans such as Fred VanVleet bring stability and direction.

Meanwhile, the Spurs are still deep in the experimentation phase. Wembanyama’s brilliance is undeniable, but San Antonio lacks the surrounding structure needed to maximize his talent. The contrast becomes even clearer when comparing late‑game execution—Houston looks confident, while the Spurs still search for chemistry.

Why It Matters for Houston

This divergence signals that the Rockets’ rebuild is ahead of schedule. A team that recently finished near the bottom of the West now looks like it’s pushing toward a postseason run. That shift energizes fans and elevates expectations for what this young core can achieve.

It also gives Houston an advantage in the long-term Texas rivalry. Wembanyama will get his spotlight, but the Rockets are showing that organizational stability and accountability can accelerate success.

What’s Next

Houston still has work to do to secure a playoff spot, but their trajectory looks promising. If the defense holds and the offense continues to develop, the Rockets could establish themselves as one of the most exciting up‑and‑coming teams in the NBA.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.