The Houston Rockets begin a new campaign tonight, aiming to capture the NBA Cup. The team signaled their turnaround last season when they won their group stage and secured a crucial home game for the knockout rounds after defeating Minnesota on the neon green court.
Despite intense competition, including a tense finish with the Sacramento Kings making 15 straight shots, Houston advanced and ultimately defeated the Golden State Warriors for the first time in four years. Their run ended in the semifinals against the Thunder, but the experience was invaluable for Houston’s young roster.
The San Antonio Spurs could follow a similar trajectory to last year’s Rockets. They boast standout talent such as Victor Wembanyama, currently a frontrunner for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, as well as reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet are game-time decisions, yet Rockets fans can reasonably expect at least one of them to play. Unfortunately, Dylan Harper will miss the matchup due to injury after an impressive recent stretch.
“If there is a team this year that could mimic the success of last season’s Rockets, it’s this one.”
Houston seeks to build on last year’s breakthrough while the rising Spurs aim to prove they can follow a similar path in a highly anticipated matchup.