Rockets players, coaches and team …

Rockets players, coaches and team officials are said to believe that Westbrook’s recent efforts are a strong sign of motivation and leadership. Westbrook wants badly to win, wearing his passion on his sleeve as he always does, and there have been several passionate messages from him in team settings, according to sources. As The Athletic Houston’s Kelly Iko reported, a recent example came on Jan. 15 when Westbrook led a team meeting after a 117-107 home loss to Portland.