Despite 0-3 start, Ime Udoka sees progress, growth with Rockets

“I don’t think our energy and effort has really been the question,” #Rockets coach Ime Udoka says. “For us, it is about the progress and growth.”

HOUSTON — There is a question that may be premature to ask, but after three regular-season games, it could already be in the back of the minds of some Houston Rockets fans.

Is Wednesday’s game versus Charlotte a must-win game?

The team opened the season 0-3, the same record they had last season. They have played their first three opponents (Magic, Spurs, and Warriors) tough, but there is no column for being competitive in the NBA.

“We are looking for consistency,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said pregame. “Things that got us back in the game in Orlando and Golden State and keeping the lead against San Antonio that we had in the second quarter and the fourth quarter. For us, it is staying with what got us there, taking good shots and not turning the ball over. Nothing easy for the opponent.”

For veterans Jeff Green, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, all of whom were signed with Houston this past offseason, losing early games is not a big deal. That’s especially likely to be the case considering the amount of success they’ve had in the past. Green (Denver Nuggets) and VanVleet (Toronto Raptors) have recently won NBA titles. Many younger players, such as Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., were on Houston teams with extended losing streaks.

“I don’t think our energy and effort has really been the question,” Udoka said about keeping a positive mindset early. “I think they come in every day willing to work and learn. So, for us, we are three games in, and it is not time to hit a panic button or anything like that, and I think the veterans have done a good job of keeping everybody even-keeled, as well. For us, it is the progress and growth, and we have had that in those games.”

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