Ime Udoka is the absolute perfect coach for this Rockets vs Warriors series

The Houston Rockets are tough.

At times, they've been too tough. The Rockets have been troublemakers in 2024-25. If there's a scrap in an NBA game, there's a decent chance that the Rockets were involved. They won't back down from anybody.

It's cost them at times. It's still an identity worth forging. Anybody would rather their team were too tough if the alternative is too soft. You'd rather root for a team with a habit of throwing fists over one with a habit of receiving shots.

Ime Udoka would concur. He's the personification of toughness. Udoka is this young team's leader.

He's the perfect man to lead the Rockets to war against the Warriors.

Rockets are underdogs despite seeding

Make no mistake - this will not be an easy series.

Sure, the Rockets are the higher seed. They had a considerably better regular season than the Warriors. Their 114.9 Offensive Rating edges Golden State's 114.2. The Rockets' 110.3 Defensive Rating is ahead of the Warriors' 111.0. For the mathematically challenged, that gives the Rockets an edge in Net Rating (4.6 vs 3.2).

If you think a 1.4 edge in Net Rating makes a series, put down the calculator. The Warriors have a major experience edge. Nobody would dispute that Steph Curry is the best player in this series. Jimmy Butler likely comes next.

How can the Rockets win this series?

Rockets will lean on Udoka's leadership

Via sheer brutality.

The Rockets need to dominate the glass. They need to defend with an extra level of gusto. Houston needs to leave it all on the floor in every game.

Ime Udoka should motivate them to do just that. The Ringer's Bill Simmons doesn't think that will be an issue.

"Ime Udoka could not be less afraid of Steph Curry"

-Bill Simmons, The Ringer

Some will argue that this point is too rhetorical. The Rockets can't will their way to victory. If the Warriors are the better team, they should come out on top.

Well, the Rockets willed their way to 52 wins this year. Toughness has been their calling card. If you insist on quantifying the game, it's the rebounding edge that would likely define a series win for the Rockets. If they can dominate in that area, they'll give themselves a chance.

Otherwise, they'll hope Amen Thompson can neutralize Steph Curry, or at least mitigate his impact. They'll look to Dillon Brooks to annoy everyone. If the Rockets play with extra motivation, they can win this series.

Count on Ime Udoka to give them that motivation.