Despite the loss in a 125-124 double overtime thriller against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets looked dangerous. In a matchup of the previous season's top two seeds in the Western Conference, the blossoming rivalry got off to a hot start. Heading into the NBA season opener, fans were shocked to see what the Rockets had up their sleeve.
To the surprise of many, head coach Ime Udoka and his staff constructed an unconventional lineup that no one saw coming. Deemed the tallest starting lineup in NBA history, the Rockets fielded a unit that featured four players 6'11" and above, with the smallest of the bunch, point guard Amen Thompson, at 6'7".
With the lineup, the Rockets brought a level of strength, toughness, and grit that gave the reigning NBA champions a run for their money. After seeing the success of the lineup, there is no doubt it is going anywhere anytime soon. As the San Antonio Spurs are due for four matchups against the Rockets, we are beginning to prepare for the worst.
The immense Rockets length will be a massive problem for the Spurs
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The Houston Rockets pose a unique threat that no other team can. This team has four starters, excluding big man Steven Adams, who can guard 1 through 5, creating a matchup nightmare for their opponents.
If your team runs through a point guard, enter Amen Thompson; if your team runs through a wing, say hello to Jabari Smith Jr.; and if you are like the Spurs and run your offense through a big man, Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams will be waiting in the paint. There is absolutely no way to avoid the brick wall that is the Rockets' defense.
For the Spurs, it will be especially tricky to break through the Houston Rockets' shell. [Whether it is De'Aaron Fox or Stephon Castle](https://airalamo.com/stephon-castle-surprising-role-start-spurs-season) running the show at point guard, they will have an incredibly tough time getting through Defensive Player of the Year candidate Amen Thompson. Even with their speed and agility, the nimble youngster knows how to stay glued to the ball handler.
As for Wembanyama, the Rockets are uniquely equipped to counter him in numerous ways. Players like Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. have equally long wingspans to contest the Alien's jump shots; meanwhile, the Rockets' backcourt has the length to combat Wemby in the paint. While the superstar will undoubtedly win some duels, it won't be easy.
The Spurs will have no easy time defending the Rockets
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Not only will the Rockets be a tough ask for the Spurs' offense, but they present a challenge for their defense as well. Although [Wembanyama will be there to defend whoever comes his way](https://airalamo.com/clueless-answers-obvious-question-prove-nba-gms-dont-know-everything), many of the smaller Spurs will have difficulties matching up against the Rockets' length. Unfortunately, Vic can't guard everyone, leaving dynamic threats with easier looks all around the court.
Players like De'Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell will be prone to bullying when it comes to defending this Rockets squad. The Spurs may need to bring out their bench defensive maestro, Jeremy Sochan, to help combat the size. Head coach Mitch Johnson could also opt to run a similar double-big lineup with Luke Kornet running the five next to Wembanyama.
I can't wait for the chess match that will be in store when the Spurs first run into the Rockets on November 7th. The Spurs have a monstrous matchup ahead of them that will be sure to produce fireworks. After a beautiful showcase against the giants of the West, the Spurs need to keep their eyes on this massive Rockets squad.