Houston Rockets Why the Rockets' Contention Window Is Closing Fast
The Houston Rockets finished the 2025-26 season 52-30 and earned the No. 5 seed in the West. They lost to the Lakers in six games in the first round. They added Kevin Durant last summer in a blockbuster deal that sent out Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and multiple first-round picks, then signed him to a two-year, $90 million extension. At 37, Durant posted strong individual numbers, but the supporting cast of Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet could not advance past the opening round.