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Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka kept the focus on details, not headlines, during Thursday’s practice interview ahead of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“It’s not time to think about anything other than coming out and being consistent, doing what we do and not looking at who’s missing for them,” Udoka said. “They’re still a very capable team with really good players.”
Udoka pointed to the Lakers’ recent short-handed stretch as proof that Houston cannot relax, even with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves listed out in the injury report. “Other guys are going to step up and be more aggressive in opportunities and that’s always the case,” he said, adding, “you can say all the things and try to guard against it, but you have to mentally understand it’s still the NBA.”
He specifically cited recent Lakers production from role players. “Looking at the five games they played, you look at Hachimura, you look at Kennard, all these guys are more aggressive shot attempts, triple double by Kennard, and then obviously James is doing a lot more as well.”
For Udoka, the standard is simple in the postseason. “Winning series,” he said when asked the measure for success.
Houston enters the matchup with a group that has already experienced playoff pressure together, and Udoka believes that matters. “All of our guys and I talk about our young guys for all their first times. They all went through that for the first time last year and know what to expect, the physicality of it, how every possession matters every quarter. It’s not just a regular season game.”
Alperen Sengun remains a major focal point for Houston, and Udoka said the center’s development has changed the ceiling. “He’s obviously a two-time all-star now and playing at an elite level and we need that consistency from him across the board,” Udoka said. “Whether he scores or facilitates, he can dominate games in several different ways.”
Udoka also said Houston values Sengun’s willingness to be coached hard. “When I got here he asked for it. He said this is how I was coached growing up. So I don’t want you to sweep anything under the rug. Be direct and blunt about things.”
The Rockets coach tied the series outlook back to the lessons of last year’s playoff run. “We want to get off to a good start this year and every year in general, but trying to avoid some of the things that hurt us in the first few games,” he said.
He also credited Kevin Durant’s presence for helping Jabari Smith Jr. grow. “It rubs off for sure,” Udoka said. “That day-to-day approach and professionalism, it’s not a secret why he is who he is and why he got to where he is.”
On Amen Thompson, Udoka was even more direct. “Huge. As he is all year with us, he’s one of our most impactful players, if not most impactful.”
