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Ime Udoka walks away as the biggest winner of Rockets' statement opener

Udoka coached a masterclass on both ends to help Houston secure a blowout win.
BySwoosh Shrestha
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Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka gives a thumbs up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka gives a thumbs up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Rockets started the new season with a bang and a blowout win over the Mavericks. Everything has seemingly gone right for Houston in this one: their new additions have panned out and returning players look better than ever. But the biggest kudos should go to head coach Ime Udoka, whose game plan has worked perfectly on both ends.

Udoka had the Rockets cooking

The final score will reflect that the Rockets won by a margin of 18, but the game was really even more lopsided than that. Houston's largest lead was 37 and the game was out of hand by the second quarter. Udoka got the most out of everyone on the team, from young up-and-coming stars to established veterans.

Clearly, the Rockets had a big talent advantage over the Mavericks, who didn't make the playoffs last season and aren't likely to qualify this season either. But the Rockets still won all of the hustle categories too, thanks to Udoka's coaching. Houston won the rebounding battle by 9 and forced 21 turnovers, including 11 steals that fueled transition offense.

At the same time, the Rockets also set up their offense effectively. Their smart execution and spacing led to shooting 53% from the field and 44% from three as a team. Houston got not one but two different efficient 30-point performances between Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. Durant in particular was able to get his shots off much easier than last season in a revamped system with better passing and shooting.

Udoka knows he has to step up this season

A blowout win is a great way to start the season, but the Rockets won't be judged this year by their performances against bad teams. In fact, even their overall regular season record arguably doesn't matter much if they can't win a playoff series. Udoka will need to improve his adaptability and game planning to make that dream come true.

So far, everything looks good for a better Rockets playoff showing. Not only did they beat the Mavericks with superior talent and effort, but they also seemed to have better sets and strategies. Houston did a good job of creating space for their star scorers and setting up everyone in positions to succeed. With their ball movement and shot distribution, the Rockets had tons of optionality in how they wanted to attack, which should only help their playoff offense.

Both Udoka and the Rockets should continue to hone their crafts for the playoffs as the regular season progresses. Udoka does know what it takes to make a deep playoff run, going back to his 2022 Finals run leading the Celtics. This season will be a great chance for him to apply that same success on the Rockets.

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