Checking the box score to see did the Houston Rockets win has become a nightly ritual for a fanbase that spent a few years wandering in the literal basement of the NBA standings. If you are looking for the quick answer regarding their most recent outing on Friday, January 16, 2026, the answer is a resounding yes. The Rockets managed to pull out a gritty 114-109 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, further solidifying their position as one of the most improved, high-octane units in the Western Conference.
It wasn't always pretty. Honestly, the first half looked like a bit of a disaster. Turnovers were piling up, and Alperen Sengün was struggling with foul trouble early on. But that’s the thing about this current iteration of the Houston Rockets; they don't just fold anymore. They have this weird, stubborn resilience that was completely missing during the post-Harden era. Watching Amen Thompson fly down the lane for a contested layup in the fourth quarter tells you everything you need to know about where this franchise is headed.
Why the Rockets' Winning Streak Actually Matters Right Now
People keep asking if this is a fluke. It's not. When you look at the defensive rating over the last twenty games, Houston is hovering near the top five. That's a massive shift. I remember watching games two years ago where it felt like opponents were just using the Rockets as a layup line. Now? You have Dillon Brooks getting into people's jerseys and Tari Eason playing like a man possessed on the offensive glass.
Winning a random mid-January game against the Grizzlies might seem small, but it’s about the "how." They won because their bench outplayed the starters for a solid ten-minute stretch. Reed Sheppard hit three triples in a row that basically sucked the air out of the building. It’s that depth that makes people constantly search to see did the Houston Rockets win every time they step on the court. They are becoming "League Pass Darlings" for a reason.
The Sengün Factor and Modern Post Play
The offense still flows through Alperen Sengün. It has to. Even on nights where he isn't dropping 30, his gravity opens up everything for the shooters. In last night's win, he finished with a modest 18 points, but his 12 assists were the real story. He’s basically a walking hub. When the double team comes—and it always comes—he finds the open man in the corner before the defense can even rotate.
It's sorta wild to think back to the debates about whether he could coexist with a high-flying guard. He can. He does. The chemistry between him and Jalen Green has reached a point where they don't even need to look at each other to know where the lob is going. Green’s efficiency has spiked because he’s finally learned when to explode and when to pull back, a nuance that took him a few seasons to really grasp.
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Breaking Down the Western Conference Standings
The West is a bloodbath. You've got the Thunder, the Nuggets, and the Timberwolves all jostling for that top spot, and then there's this middle tier where the Rockets are currently parked.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (Still the juggernaut)
- Denver Nuggets (Jokic things)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (Defense wins games)
- Houston Rockets (The surprise contenders)
- Sacramento Kings (High pace, high drama)
- Phoenix Suns (Living and dying by the mid-range)
Being in the four-seed conversation in 2026 is a testament to the front office's patience. They didn't trade for a washed superstar. They drafted well. They signed veterans who actually give a damn about defense. It’s a blueprint.
Did the Houston Rockets Win Because of Their Defense?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It's complicated.
Ime Udoka has implemented a switching scheme that keeps teams off balance. In the fourth quarter last night, the Grizzlies tried to hunt mismatches, but there weren't any. Jabari Smith Jr. is now a legitimate 6'11" wing stopper who can stay in front of guards. When you have that kind of lateral quickness at that size, it changes your entire defensive ceiling.
They held Memphis to 41% shooting in the second half. That's how you win games when your own shots aren't falling. You grind. You scrap. You dive for loose balls. It’s the kind of basketball that Houston fans haven't seen since the 2018 run, albeit with a much younger core.
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The Role of the Bench Mob
You can't talk about a Rockets win without mentioning Cam Whitmore. The guy is a human microwave. He comes off the bench, puts his head down, and gets to the rim. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s demoralizing for opposing second units. Last night, he contributed 22 points in just 19 minutes. That kind of production is a luxury most teams don't have.
Then there’s Steven Adams. Even in limited minutes, his screen-setting is art. He hits people. He creates space where there was none. If you're wondering did the Houston Rockets win the physical battle, just look at the rebound totals. They dominated the glass, and a lot of that is just Adams being the strongest human being in the arena.
Looking Ahead: Can They Sustain This?
The schedule doesn't get easier. They head to Dallas next, then a back-to-back against the Clippers. Maintaining this level of intensity is the challenge. Young teams usually hit a wall around February, but the Rockets seem built differently. They have a lot of "dogs" on the roster—guys who don't care about stats as much as they care about the final score.
A lot of the skepticism comes from the fact that we've seen "flashes" before. But flashes don't last for three months. Consistency does. The Rockets are currently five games over .500, and their point differential suggests they might actually be better than their record indicates.
Common Misconceptions About the Current Rockets Roster
A lot of people think Jalen Green is just a volume scorer. That's outdated. He’s evolved into a very capable secondary playmaker and a much-improved on-ball defender. If you only watch the highlights, you're missing the two or three possessions a game where he locks down a star point guard and forces a turnover.
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Another myth is that they are "too young." While the core is young, Fred VanVleet is the glue. He’s the adult in the room. When things get chaotic, he settles them down. He might go 3-for-12 from the floor, but his +15 rating tells the real story. He directs traffic and ensures the young guys are in the right spots.
Impact of the 2025 Trade Deadline Moves
Looking back, the small moves made at the last deadline really paid off. Picking up veteran shooting depth was crucial. It stopped teams from just packing the paint against Sengün. Now, if you help off the corner, you’re giving up a wide-open look to a specialist. The spacing is finally NBA-caliber.
Actionable Insights for Rockets Fans and Bettors
If you are tracking this team, keep an eye on these specific metrics:
- Third Quarter Scoring: The Rockets have struggled coming out of the locker room in the past. If they win the third quarter, they almost always win the game.
- Free Throw Attempts: When Jalen Green gets to the line 8+ times, the Rockets' offensive rating skyrockets.
- Opponent Turnovers: Houston thrives in transition. If they are forcing 15+ turnovers, they are incredibly hard to beat at home.
The question of did the Houston Rockets win is becoming more of a "by how much?" situation than a "did they?" one. That’s a massive shift in expectations for the city of Houston.
Next Steps for Following the Team
To stay truly updated on the Rockets' trajectory, you should focus on the injury report regarding Tari Eason’s leg management, as his presence is the difference between a good defense and an elite one. Check the local beat writers like Jonathan Feigen for the most nuanced takes on practice rotations.
If you're watching the standings, the key is the gap between them and the Play-In tournament. The goal this year isn't just to make the playoffs; it's to avoid the single-elimination chaos of the 7-10 seeds. Currently, they are in a great spot to secure a top-six seed and get a full week of rest before the first round.
Watch the next game against the Mavericks closely. It’s a measuring stick game. If they can contain Luka Doncic even slightly and win the rebounding battle, they are for real. The growth is visible, the energy in the Toyota Center is back, and for the first time in years, the answer to did the Houston Rockets win is something fans can look forward to hearing.