2 Houston Rockets who had huge bounce back games vs Knicks

The Houston Rockets are one of the deepest teams in the NBA. In 2024-25, that depth is serving them well.

Last year, their best players were Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. So far, they've both been disappointing. The Rockets have weathered the storm with a starry season from Jalen Green. Last night against the Knicks, Green faltered with a mediocre performance.

His teammates stepped up, and the Rockets walked away with a 109-97 victory.

Rockets' Alperen Sengun returns to stardom

Rockets fans are breathing the loudest sigh of relief for Alperen Sengun.

All season, he's been getting his looks. He just needs to make them. Sengun has been among the least efficient high-volume two-point shooters in the NBA.

Last night, he was unconscious. Sengun finished with 25 points on 11/15 shooting. He also chipped in 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks. How the Knicks guarded Sengun didn't matter: he was getting what he wanted.

By contrast, Green finished with 15 inefficient points. For the Rockets to accomplish their goals this season, they'll need both of their 2021 draftees to deliver more consistently. Still, it's a relief to see that Sengun can still deliver.

He wasn't the only Rocket to have a bounce-back game in this contest.

Rockets' Fred VanVleet couldn't miss against Knicks

Fred VanVleet's scoring output is volatile by nature. He relies heavily on off-the-dribble threes. If you're new to basketball, understand this: they won't always find the bottom of the net.

Last night, his three-point woes persisted. It didn't matter. VanVleet hit everything that wasn't a three. He finished with 19 points on 8/14 shooting from the field despite 1/5 three-point shooting.

VanVleet turned to his midrange and floater game to produce. It worked. With 5 assists, 2 steals and just 1 turnover, his patented ball security was on full display as well.

What does it all mean for the Rockets?

Rockets need to establish hierarchy

Tari Eason and Amen Thompson's contributions are basically static. They will always outwork everyone. They will seldom produce gaudy stat lines (although, Eason proved his ability to do so against the Warriors). That duo has become remarkably reliable for the Rockets.

Dillon Brooks will come and go. His defense will win the Rockets games, and his offense will sometimes lose them games. VanVleet's shooting is likely to stabilize throughout the season, although he may be due for the least efficient scoring season of his career.

The Rockets shouldn't be relying on him too heavily anyway.

They should be relying on Green and Sengun. So, Sengun's return to form is the major takeaway from this contest. The next step for the Rockets is to see Green and Sengun turn in star performances in the same contest.

In tandem with this team's depth, that should make the Rockets hard to beat.