The Rockets' young core is proving themselves at the right time

The Houston Rockets have become known for their depth. Dillon Brooks' words will typify this team in the history books:

"Sometimes me, sometimes you, always us".

That's been the mantra for the Rockets in 2024-25. This team doesn't have a definitive franchise player. It may be Alperen Sengun. It could be Amen Thompson. Some think it will be an outside hire. Yet, it could even be Jalen Green.

He made his case in Saturday's win against the Bulls.

Rockets beat Bulls in nail biter

Granted, the box score won't tell you that.

Sure, Green had 28 points. He also shot 11/25 from the field and 5/13 from long-range. The inconsistency that's plagued Green throughout the year was prevalent. With 24 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists on 9/18 shooting from the field, Alperen Sengun had the better performance.

Down the stretch, Green took charge. A late tip in off an offensive rebound sealed the game for the Rockets. It was the type of heady play that Rockets fans wouldn't have expected from Green up until this season.

There's no reason to pit teammates against each other. Sengun got the Rockets to the edge, and Green put them over it. It was the type of synergy the Rockets need between their two 2021 draftees.

Is it something the team can rely on?

Rockets must continue to monitor young core

It may seem absurd to make conclusions from a weekend game against a mediocre Bulls team in the middle of March. Let's apply more context.

The Bulls were coming off four consecutive wins, while the Rockets were on the tail end of a back-to-back. Playoff seeding was at stake, and the Rockets are now back in the Western Conference's second seed.

This game mattered.

The young core knew it. Fred VanVleet delivered a solid 23 points and 7 assists, but he was -2. Dillon Brooks was -5. By contrast, Sengun was +12 and Green was +4. Even Jabari Smith Jr., who had 12 points and 9 rebounds on 4/11 shooting from the field, was +7.

The point? The young Rockets carried this game. Questions about the fit between this team's many young players will persist. So they should. The Rockets' future remains unclear.

Last night, they moved closer to clarity. As the postseason approaches, Rockets fans will want to see if the young players can generate success. If this is how the Rockets look in the playoffs, don't be surprised if they run back a similar core in 2025-26.

They'll want to take advantage of their depth again.