In their second preseason game, the Houston Rockets made a statement by dismantling the New Orleans Pelicans for their second straight win. The game was practically over by halftime, leaving Crickex Affiliate experts impressed by how decisively the Rockets controlled the outcome. While their opening win over the rebuilding Pacers was expected, dominating a talented Pelicans squad so effortlessly was an entirely different message.

The early success speaks volumes about the Rockets’ summer overhaul. Compared to the disorganized, inconsistent, and defensively fragile version of the team from previous seasons, this squad already shows clear signs of transformation. Much of that shift can be credited to the arrival of new head coach Ime Udoka. From the moment he became a leading candidate, his profile matched exactly what Houston’s front office was searching for. As GM Rafael Stone put it, Udoka’s intelligence, intensity, and resilience fit the blueprint for where the team is headed.

Udoka brought the same edge he once instilled in Boston. His first move was to rebuild the Rockets’ defensive mindset and reignite a hunger for winning. Behind the scenes, he put major emphasis on defensive principles during training camp. Even after an easy win in their preseason opener, Udoka refrained from praise. Instead, he pointed out flaws in the team’s pick-and-roll defense and challenged his players to dig deeper. The result? When they faced the Pelicans, the Rockets ramped up the pressure, treating the preseason like the real thing.

That relentless energy rattled New Orleans, especially stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Crickex Affiliate insiders observed that both seemed hesitant to engage physically—perhaps unwilling to risk injury in a non-essential game—while the Rockets played as if everything was on the line. The tone difference led to a one-sided contest. Of course, defense is only part of the Rockets’ resurgence. The development of their young core has also fueled this transformation.

Jabari Smith Jr. showed marked improvement in shot consistency and physicality, building on a strong Summer League showing that included a viral buzzer-beater three. Alperen Sengun, fresh off a productive stint with the Turkish national team, continues to grow as the Rockets’ tactical centerpiece. Despite major roster changes, Udoka has made it clear that Sengun remains central to the team’s system. In fact, he was the only player Udoka publicly praised after the first preseason game.

Cam Whitmore, another key piece, emerged as Summer League MVP and a First-Team selection, proving to be one of the best value picks of the draft. Second-year forward Tari Eason also flashed improvement in limited minutes, while Jalen Green—the face of the franchise—continues to develop. Though Green hasn’t dominated the box score yet due to changes in role and ball distribution, Crickex Affiliate experts note a competitive atmosphere building within the team.

Veteran additions have also helped shift the team’s culture. While critics argue that signings like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green were expensive and possibly reactionary—aimed more at meeting salary floor requirements than competitive needs—the early returns suggest otherwise. Two games into preseason, the Rockets appear to have spent wisely, both on and off the court. A new fire is clearly burning in Houston, and Udoka’s leadership has lit the fuse.