As Uncertainty Looms, Rockets Continue To Play Hard For Stephen Silas: 'This Was Big For Coach'

In his third season as coach of the Houston Rockets, Stephen Silas has not been shy when expressing the difficulties of the 2022-23 campaign. 

"This is a hard job, and there have been some down times that I’ve had to fight through the last three years," Silas said. "I found strength in myself that I didn’t necessarily know that I had. I found that I can bring a group together. I found that I can help young guys with not just basketball but with life. You never know until you do it."

Since Oct. 19 in a loss against the Atlanta Hawks, Silas stood on the sidelines for six months as the Rockets fell short of their pre-season expectations. And with two games left, the Rockets have won the same number of games as the previous season (20).

Silas' three-year contract will expire following Sunday's season finale against the Washington Wizards. And with a team option for a potential fourth year, Silas revealed he has not spoken with owner Tilman Fertitta and general manager Rafael Stone about his future.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their coach, the Rockets came together to pull off one of their most impressive victories in a 124-103 win over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night inside the Toyota Center.

The Rockets prevented the Nuggets from clinching the top seed in the western conference by stealing a win. But Houston's victory during its home finale was a testament to the adoration the players have established for their coach.

"This was big for coach Silas," Jalen Green said. "When he is talking to us, he's telling us how much we mean to him and how much we need to stay together. We gotta be there for him. We gotta get dubs for him. And we gotta play hard for him."

Silas has appreciated the effort level of his players as the season draws near an end. And in each game post All-Star break, players have illustrated their growth under Silas' stewardship.

Green has become an efficient scorer averaging 25.5 points on 45.8 percent shooting over the past 11 games, while Jabari Smith Jr. has discovered his niche on an NBA level following a rocky start to his rookie season.

Alperen Sengun was the latest example of Silas' development due to the defensive output he showcased against Nikola Jokic. He finished the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block against the Nuggets.

"I thought Alpi had the best defensive game of his career tonight," Silas said. "He did an amazing job. I was proud of him."

Since ending their 11-game losing streak in a 122-110 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs on March 4, the Rockets have added seven wins — four against playoff-caliber teams (Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets and Pelicans).

The Rockets have expressed their urge to finish the season on an encouraging note to build momentum heading into the offseason. But players have also voiced their desires to finish the season strong for Silas. 

"It means a lot to me for sure, but it is all about the guys," Silas said. "It's credited to the guys we have in that locker room. They could have quit a long time ago. But they don't have that in them. For these guys to play as hard as they did in game 80, it shows who they are."

Despite the modest success, Silas acknowledges Houston still has a long way to go with their ongoing rebuilding project. But despite another 20-win season, he believes the Rockets have the foundational pieces needed to build something special. 

No one knows whether or not Silas will be around by the time the Rockets recapture their status amongst the NBA's elite. But the strong finish and fight the Rockets have showcased during the final games have made a disarrayed season a bit more optimistic for the future.

"We fought through all the ups and downs and everything in between," Silas said. "I wish we had more wins. I wish we were competing right now for a playoff position or play-in position. But that’s just where we are as an organization — as a team."