Five games. Five victories. Zero defeats.
The Houston Rockets are making quite a statement to begin the 2026-27 NBA season, and their latest performance might have been their most convincing yet.
On Wednesday night, Houston demolished the Milwaukee Bucks 132-100 on the road, improving to a perfect 5-0 and recording the franchise’s first five-game winning streak to open a season since 2014-15. It marks just the sixth time in Rockets history that the team has started a campaign with five consecutive victories.
What makes the achievement particularly impressive is that Houston accomplished its latest victory without Alperen Şengün, who entered the contest averaging a team-high 24.5 points per game but was sidelined by lower back soreness.
Instead, Fred VanVleet delivered his best performance since returning from a torn ACL that cost him the entire previous season.
The veteran guard finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists, shooting 7-of-14 from the field and connecting on four three-pointers. He completely took over during the third quarter, scoring 15 consecutive Houston points to prevent Milwaukee from mounting a comeback.
Amen Thompson was equally impressive, contributing 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, while Kevin Durant added 18 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Bogdan Bogdanović provided another 16 points off the bench in just 15 minutes.
Houston shot an outstanding 54.8 percent from the field and connected on 17 three-pointers, overwhelming the Bucks with its offensive efficiency.
The game was effectively decided in the second quarter, when the Rockets outscored Milwaukee 34-14 to establish a commanding 57-35 halftime advantage.
But the undefeated start is about considerably more than one dominant performance.
Houston opened the season with a convincing 128-110 victory over Dallas, powered by 30 points apiece from Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.
Two days later, the Rockets survived a dramatic 114-110 battle against San Antonio, highlighted by Thompson blocking Victor Wembanyama’s potential game-tying layup in the final seconds.
Back-to-back victories over Atlanta followed, with Şengün delivering 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in Monday’s 120-110 win.
Five games into the season, the Rockets have demonstrated an encouraging ability to win in different ways.
Durant continues to provide elite scoring and experience, Şengün has established himself as a versatile offensive centerpiece, and Thompson’s athleticism and defensive versatility have become indispensable.
Meanwhile, the return of VanVleet gives head coach Ime Udoka another experienced playmaker, while Smith, Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard provide additional scoring, shooting and defensive flexibility.
Perhaps most importantly, Houston’s depth has already been tested. The Rockets have navigated injuries to Şengün, Steven Adams and Marcus Smart without suffering a defeat.
Of course, an undefeated opening week does not guarantee championship contention. The Western Conference remains extremely competitive, and Houston will face significantly greater challenges over the course of an 82-game season.
Nevertheless, the Rockets are showing exactly the combination of star power, defensive intensity, versatility and depth that makes a team dangerous in the postseason.
Their next test comes Friday in Dallas, where they will attempt to extend their winning streak to six games in NBA Cup action.
