The Houston Rockets have a chance to win the NBA Cup

The NBA season is long. The 2024-25 champions will not be determined for some time.

Houston Rockets fans don't have to worry about that.

Yes, the Rockets are 9-4. It feels good to watch this team win games consistently. Still, Rockets fans with championship dreams should wake up. It's not happening in 2024-25.

Luckily, the team still has plenty to play for. The Rockets play with a sense of urgency. This is a hungry young group. Besides, there are still accolades they can realistically aim for this year.

How about the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup?

Rockets going for gold in NBA Cup tournament

They're off to a hot start. The Rockets enjoyed a dominant 125-104 win over the Clippers in Friday's action. They were - shockingly - led by Jabari Smith Jr. He had (by far) his best game of the season with 28 points and 11 rebounds on 11/17 shooting from the field.

As has often been the case, Houston's defense carried the day. They held Most Improved Player frontrunner Norman Powell to just 8 points. This was another game where the Rockets asserted their will and outmatched their opposition's physicality. In their first NBA Cup game, the Rockets handled their business.

One of their key opponents did not.

Conference Rival opens up opportunity for Rockets

The Timberwolves lost to the Trail Blazers in tournament action. They didn't just lose, either - they lost by 14 points. That matters in the tournament. Point differential will be used as a tiebreaker to determine who advances from the Rockets' group, which the Wolves are part of.

Houston is in a good position to advance. Their next tournament game comes against the Blazers, who they'll be heavily favored to beat. Sure, the Blazers beat the Timberwolves. The Rockets shouldn't take them lightly, but as long as they play their game, they should come out on top in that contest.

Does any of it matter?

Rockets should take the tournament seriously

Don't alert the fun police, but yes, it would be nice if the Rockets won the in-season tournament.

Ultimately, the organization has its sights set on larger goals. The Rockets are clearly building towards title contention, but they're at least a few years away.

By contrast, the tournament is there for the taking. The Rockets can get some early experience in a playoff-esque environment. There's something to be said for being declared the winner of any competition.

Even if it's not the NBA championship.