Rockets still have one forgotten area for improvement to execute their gameplan

The Houston Rockets committed to winning the possession battle in 2024-25. In 2025-26, they've struggled to do so on the turnover front.

Sure, the Rockets are still dominant on the offensive glass. Their 41.4% Offensive Rebounding % still leads the NBA by a considerable margin. That's key, but it's only half of the battle when it comes to keeping the ball in your hands.

The other half is - well, literally keeping the ball in your hands. The Rockets haven't been so strong there. The Rockets' 17.4 Turnover % is the worst in the NBA.

It would be ideal to improve on that mark, but without Fred VanVleet, it could be difficult. This was a relatively expected outcome of losing him for the season.

Luckily, there's another way the Rockets can narrow the gap in the turnover battle.

Rockets need to force more turnovers

The Rockets aren't just turning the ball over too often. Their opponents aren't turning the ball over enough. Houston is forcing 14.2 turnovers per game, the 8th-lowest mark in the NBA.

This feels like something the Rockets can more easily control. It will be difficult to minimize turnovers without VanVleet. The Rockets have Amen Thompson running point for the first time, and Reed Sheppard in an increased role as a sophomore. They're going to turn the ball over.

By contrast, the Rockets have the means to force more turnovers. That starts with the Terror Twins, who haven't been terrifying enough in 2025-26. Tari Eason's steals per game are down from 1.7 to 0.9 per game.

Thompson's numbers haven't dropped as much - from 1.4 to 1.2. His blocks per game have suffered, down to 0.4 from 1.3. This is likely a consequence of his new defensive role. Thompson is guarding stars where Dillon Brooks would have last year, which makes it more difficult for him to play passing lanes.

His steals aren't down, but his general ability to make offenses hesitate has lessened. If Thompson could get back to freelancing, it should be easier for Eason to capitalize on the fear he produces.

The Rockets forced surprisingly few turnovers last year at 14.3, which landed 16th in the NBA. That was fine when their 14.0% Turnover % ranked 11th in the league. If the team is going to turn the ball over more often, their opponents must do the same.

If the Rockets aren't dominating the possession battle, they're not executing their game plan.