Every game matters for Rockets after regaining their footing and confidence

These games were not supposed to matter.

A little over a month ago, the Houston Rockets limped into the All-Star break, embarrassed by the injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies. It was a loss that had coach Ime Udoka questioning his group’s focus, mentality and even his starting lineup.

The vibes that were present at the start of the regular season had dissipated. Starting center Alperen Şengün’s emergence and stellar play weren’t enough to hold up a widely inconsistent Rockets offense. Third-year guard Jalen Green was in one of the worst slumps of his young career, and fanbase patience was wearing thinner by the day. Couple that with Fred VanVleet’s drop in aggressiveness, Dillon Brooks’ waning shooting and second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. searching for position in Houston’s hierarchy, and it was a wonder the Rockets weren’t more than six games under .500.

Even coming out of the break, a tough schedule saw them face the Phoenix Suns three times and Oklahoma City Thunder twice — it could have easily been the final nail, especially because the Rockets lost four more times during that span. Sitting in 12th in the Western Conference with a 25-34 record at the end of February, changing course could have easily been on the cards. For some, it probably should have been.

The beginning of March didn’t bring much of a reprieve, either, losing both Şengün and rookie Cam Whitmore to ankle and knee injuries, respectively — in addition to the shutting down of versatile forward Tari Eason. It wouldn’t have been unusual for the Rockets to punt what was left of this campaign and focus on the future, especially with the growth displayed under Udoka and a revamped defensive scheme.

Udoka’s influence on this roster, aside from the improvement defensively, has been in their mentality. Sure, they have been involved in several scuffles over the season — that happens with the physical Brooks within earshot of the on-court action, carrying out his promise that this team wouldn’t be bullied. But as we’ve seen since the beginning of the month, their attention to detail, thanks to Udoka, has paid dividends in real time. The Rockets have improved because they wanted to, because they believed it was possible.

During the mini-break in the league calendar, Udoka had a mandate to his group — increase their pace, improve their shooting and continue to play aggressive, physical defense. Play faster? Houston is fourth in pace in March. Shoot better? The Rockets are shooting 42.5 percent from 3 on 17 “wide-open” perimeter shots per game, fifth best. A team that has spent the majority of the season in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency now finds itself with the league’s third-best rating in March. They’ve allowed a stingy 108.6 points per 100 possessions. The Rockets have won six games on the bounce, eight out of their last nine with a plus-12.7 net rating and find themselves two games under .500 (33-35) and within striking…