The Houston Rockets have made a notable return to the NBA Playoffs after a three-year absence, only to be ousted in the first round by the Golden State Warriors, unable to recover from a 3-1 series deficit. Despite the swift exit, the Rockets maintain a bright outlook with a young core featuring Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, who both show significant promise. After their playoff loss, Sengun expressed a desire to improve offensively, reflecting on a dip in his performance from the previous season. In the playoffs, he averaged 19.1 points, down from 21.1, but still showcased his potential with a solid Game 7 performance, contributing 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Green, however, faced criticism for his performance in the final game, scoring only eight points, leading to discussions on his readiness for increased expectations. The Rockets' young roster, including Sengun, who has recently secured a five-year, $185 million extension, indicates a commitment to developing talent as they aim to establish themselves in the competitive Western Conference. Both players' improvement during the offseason will be crucial for the Rockets as they look to build on their recent playoff experience.