Uncovering the Hidden Weapon: How the Rockets Defied Odds in the First Round

Here’s a little something that might make you tilt your head: How is it that a guy averaging just under four points per game suddenly becomes the Rockets’ most potent secret weapon? I mean, Steven Adams isn’t flashing highlight-reel dunks every night or dropping buckets like a volume scorer – yet the team’s plus-minus with him on the floor is a jaw-dropping +53 this postseason. That’s not your everyday coincidence. Adams, with a decade of NBA grit under his belt, has quietly turned into Houston’s unsung backbone, a rock-solid presence that shifts momentum in ways stats alone barely capture. As Game 7 looms against the Warriors, you can’t help but wonder—can this steady giant carry the Rockets even further on sheer will and muscle, defying the usual star-centric script? Let’s dive in.

The Houston Rockets are lucky because they have a deep roster full of multiple stars, all willing and wanting to perform well.

Whether they are coming off the bench or starting the game, these Rockets players are eager to prove themselves.

One of them is Steven Adams, the experienced big man enjoying his first year with the Rockets.

He has been a huge help to Houston.

According to Kevin O’Connor, per Legion Hoops, the Rockets have a plus-minus rating of +53 with Adams on the court.

And when he is off, the Rockets’ plus-minus goes down to -39.

Rockets with Steven Adams on the court this series: +53

Rockets without Steven Adams on the court: -39

X-Factor (via @KevinOConnorNBA) pic.twitter.com/CiwIgZYJW4

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 3, 2025

During 2024-25, Adams averaged 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

However, during the playoffs, Adams is putting up 6.2 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Adams has been in the league for a decade after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2013 first round.

Since then, he has moved around to the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and now the Rockets.

He spent a year off last season as he recovered from injury, and some wondered just how much time he’d get on the floor in 2024-25.

It turns out that he’s a great fit for the Rockets and brings the sort of confidence, experience, and physical power the team needs.

He may not score the most points or get the most minutes during games, but these numbers prove that Adams is doing a lot for the Rockets.

Now the question is how much more he can do.

The team is about to experience Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors, and they will want Adams to show up again and produce the sort of plus-minus rating that is helping them stay in this series.

The post Stats Reveal Rockets’ Surprising X-Factor In First Round appeared first on The Cold Wire.