League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Injuries

Ime Udoka seeks deeper playoff run with Rockets after two early exits

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 7:37 PM

Last updated Sep 22, 2026

Ime Udoka seeks deeper playoff run with Rockets after two early exits

Summary

Coach Ime Udoka is aiming for significant improvement from the Houston Rockets as they start the NBA season. After winning 52 regular-season games but being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the past two years, Udoka stated, "We’re not here to just make the first round, we want to make some real noise." The Rockets' optimism is boosted by the return of point guard Fred VanVleet and big man Steven Adams from injuries. They will begin their preseason with two games against the Dallas Mavericks on October 9 and 11 in Macao, China.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Udoka begins his first year as Rockets coach after two playoff exits.
•The Rockets hit the media day with an optimistic tone this season.
•Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams return after missing significant time due to injuries.
•The Rockets face the Dallas Mavericks in preseason on October 9 and 11.

Latest Updates

7:37 PMYahoo Sports — Coach Ime Udoka pushes Rockets to 'make some real noise' after 2 straight first-round exits

What they're saying

"
Coach Ime Udoka is looking for much more from the Houston Rockets after they won 52 regular-season games before losing in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last two years. “We’re not here to just make the first round, we want to make some real noise,” Udoka said Tuesday as he began his first year in Houston. The Rockets kicked off the NBA season Tuesday as the first team to hold media day.
— Yahoo Sportsby KRISTIE RIEKEN

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