The Houston Rockets are already turning heads with their winning streak, but the real story may be found beneath the surface: in the numbers that define their bench unit.

From Steven Adams and Clint Capela controlling the glass to Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason providing offensive firepower, Houston’s second unit has become one of the most statistically dominant groups in the entire league. The data paints a picture of a rotation that hold leads, and builds them.

The Rockets’ Bench Numbers Are Breaking the NBA Right Now

Even in limited minutes, Steven Adams has been nothing short of a rebounding machine. The veteran center leads the NBA in offensive rebounds per game, despite averaging just 22.1 minutes. His 7.9 offensive rebounds per 75 possessions would be an NBA record if sustained over a full season.

Adams’ physicality has given the Rockets a consistent edge on the boards, extending possessions and creating second-chance points that demoralize opponents. His presence in Houston’s “double-big” lineups with Alperen Sengun has transformed the team into one of the league’s top rebounding forces, blending raw strength with veteran instincts.

And yet, even that dominance has company. Clint Capela, acquired as part of the blockbuster offseason that brought Kevin Durant to Houston, is posting an even higher rebounding rate; an eye-popping 10.0 offensive rebounds per 75 possessions.

If he logs enough minutes to qualify, Capela could surpass Adams in offensive rebounding efficiency, making the Rockets the only team with two players posting historically elite marks in that category. It’s a rare luxury for head coach Ime Udoka, who can rotate his bigs without losing physical presence or intensity in the paint.

Reed Sheppard Emerging as a Sparkplug

While the veterans dominate the interior, rookie guard Reed Sheppard is making a name for himself on the perimeter. Among all NBA players with zero starts this season, Sheppard ranks third in box plus/minus, averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 assists, 4.3 three-pointers, and 2.3 steals per 75 possessions.

Those numbers are remarkable for a player coming off the bench. Sheppard’s confidence has grown with each game, and his ability to knock down threes while facilitating offense gives Houston a steady scoring punch when the starters rest.

Sheppard’s efficiency and floor awareness have been vital in maintaining Houston’s offensive rhythm across rotations. He has also shown defensive tenacity, often guarding multiple positions and helping set the tone for the team’s aggressive perimeter play.

Tari Eason: Quiet Efficiency, Big Impact

Tari Eason continues to be one of the NBA’s most underrated two-way players. The 23-year-old forward is averaging 17.0 points per 75 possessions while shooting a scorching 51.2% from three, proving that his shooting surge from last season wasn’t a fluke.

Eason’s energy off the bench complements Houston’s stars perfectly. His versatility allows Udoka to plug him into multiple lineups, whether alongside Durant for spacing or with Amen Thompson and Sengun for defensive pressure.

When Eason shares the floor with Sheppard and Capela, Houston’s bench ranks among the top units in net rating, underscoring just how deep and balanced the roster has become.

Depth That Defines a Contender

For all the headlines surrounding Durant’s arrival and Şengün’s rise, the Rockets’ bench may be their greatest weapon. In an era where many teams struggle to sustain production without their stars, Houston’s reserves are thriving.

Their statistical dominance, from Adams’ record-level rebounding to Sheppard’s elite efficiency, reflects a roster built to compete every minute of every game.

As the Rockets continue their surge up the Western Conference standings, one thing is clear: it’s a team with depth, discipline, and data to back it up. And maybe rewriting the numbers on what a contender’s second unit can do.

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