Rockets Drop in Latest NBA Power Rankings

The Houston Rockets are off to an impressive 6-3 start, but in an uber-competitive Western Conference, that's good for just fifth place at the moment. Just about 10 games into the season, they're gunning for a championship, but even in an 82-game season, every contest counts.

The West has a noticeably better talent pool than the Eastern Conference, but Houston is still toward the top. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun have led the Rockets to a league-best offensive rating and a top-10 defensive rating as the team shows it has fixed its weaknesses while the strengths remain.

Had Houston defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 7, it probably would've ranked higher in ESPN's latest NBA power rankings. However, the Rockets are seventh in the league, placing one spot in front of the Los Angeles Lakers (8-3) and one behind the Spurs (8-2).

"The Rockets completed a three-game road trip Sunday with a 2-1 record after shooting 15-of-21 in the final frame of a 122-115 win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks," Michael C. Wright wrote. "The Rockets dominated the glass 50-27.

"Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun became the first Rockets duo since 2003 (Steve Francis and James Posey) to rack up at least 20 points and 5 assists on 65% shooting. In the win, Durant, 37, recorded his 51st 30-point outing since turning 35, which ranks as fourth most in NBA history."

Durant is clearly the focal point of the offense, but it's not like he's dominating the scoring numbers. He's his usual efficient self, posting 50-42-87 shooting splits, but he's only averaging 24.8 points per game.

That's because Sengun and Amen Thompson have stepped up significantly on offense, with the 37-year-old still gravitating defenses. The two are combining for 40.4 points and 12.6 assists per game, shooting at a high clip inside the arc.

It also helps that there are three other Rockets in double-figure averages. Reed Sheppard, the second-year guard who was asked to step up in the absence of Fred VanVleet, is putting up 11.2 points and 3.2 assists on 46-48-67 shooting splits.

The Rockets will face the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic to complete a three-game home stand before traveling to Cleveland. Not even 10 games into the season, there's time for this team to cool off, as there is with every team, but it's hard not to be impressed with how well Houston is scoring on one end and defending on the other.