Rockets dominate in key statistical area in win vs Jazz

The Houston Rockets are supposed to beat the Jazz.

Utah is where the Rockets were just a couple of years ago. Winning is losing, and losing is winning. The Jazz have fallen into the logicistic vortex known as "tanking". Their 121-110 loss to the Rockets on Thursday was their 14th loss in 15 contests.

Still, credit the Rockets for getting the job done. They're fending off fierce competition for the Western Conference's second seed. They can only play the games on the schedule, and they needed this win.

They got it in the same manner they've gotten several wins in 2024-25.

Rockets dominate the glass against Jazz

The Rockets enjoyed a 58-40 rebounding advantage against the Jazz. Just as significantly, they crushed them 18-3 on the offensive glass.

Sure, the Jazz are the Jazz. They're also 5th in the NBA in rebounds per game (39.1). Beating them doesn't tell us much about the Rockets, but destroying them on the glass reaffirms the Rockets' dominance in that area.

There's no shortage of discussion about the Rockets' strengths and weaknesses. There are valid concerns about their ability to score in the half-court. An overreliance on rebounding and overall physicality at the cost of offensive efficiency isn't going to win them an NBA title.

For now, they're playing the hand they were dealt. The Rockets are leaning on their strengths, and they'll take them as far as they can.

Besides, they got plenty of production from their young core against the Jazz.

Rockets' young stars shine against Jazz

Alperen Sengun had 33 points and 10 rebounds on 11/19 shooting from the field. Amen Thompson contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists on 7/11 shooting from the field.

Jalen Green had 21 points on 8/20 shooting from the field. There's a temptation to dismiss this performance as inefficient, but that would be unfair. This game was competitive in the beginning, and Green kept the Rockets afloat. Moreover, 40% shooting from the field is a competent mark, and Green hit the same mark from downtown at 4/10.

Is that a sustainable shot diet for Green? That's been a topic of discussion all year. Ten three-point attempts is a hefty number for a player who's still shooting just 34.9% from distance.

Let's drop it. There's no sense getting granular about a late season win against the Jazz. The Rockets needed this one, and they got it:

Whether they were supposed to or not.