The Houston Rockets are on fire, extending their winning streak to four games with their latest victory against the Atlanta Hawks, 100-96, on January 29, 2025. This remarkable stretch includes wins over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending champion Boston Celtics, showcasing the team's surprising resurgence this season.
Against the Hawks, the Rockets faced early challenges, appearing lethargic after their previous night’s thrilling win over the Celtics. Jalen Green, who led the Rockets with 25 points, struggled initially but rebounded after halftime. "We obviously looked like we were in mud in the first half," stated Rockets coach Ime Udoka, emphasizing the team's need to shake off fatigue from their recent games.
Despite starting slowly and accumulating 14 turnovers by halftime, the Rockets entered the break down only one point, thanks to their tenacious defense and contributions from bench players. The Hawks held the Rockets to zero offensive rebounds in the first half, which is unusual for the team known for leading the NBA in this category.
Udoka’s halftime pep talk fueled the Rockets' turnaround. "Just wake up and play how we played against the other teams. We’d be down 20 if we played this way," he said. The second half found the Rockets back to their dominant selves, registering seven offensive rebounds and scoring 33 points to the Hawks' 23.
One major contributor to the Rockets' comeback was Jae'Sean Tate, who scored a season-high 16 points off the bench. His performance, along with the bench unit’s increased energy, proved pivotal. "He was huge," Udoka added, underscoring Tate's impact. The Rockets found themselves leading by as many as 16 points late in the game but endured some anxious moments as Atlanta rallied back with a late 15-2 run.
A typical NBA game rarely concludes without drama, and this was no exception. Following some skirmishes, Dillon Brooks and Trae Young received offsetting technical fouls after Brooks grabbed Young's neck. The officials deemed it was Young who instigated the confrontation, preventing what could have been pivotal free throws for the Hawks.
The Hawks had one last chance to tie or take the lead after missing several shots, but DeAndre Hunter's open three-pointer failed to find its mark. The Rockets capitalized on this opportunity, sealing the win with Alperen Şengün’s game-ending dunk, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds overall, marking his 28th double-double this season. This victory against Atlanta marked the first matchup between the two teams this season; the game was previously postponed due to severe weather conditions.
The excitement of the Rockets' recent triumphs hasn't just been about winning games, but also about the potential they are cultivating as contenders through strategic plays, player development, and resilience. After securing victories over high-caliber teams, the Houston Rockets continue to establish themselves as one of the NBA's most compelling stories this season.
With such notable performances, the Rockets not only build their confidence but also set the stage for upcoming challenges. Their next games could prove instrumental as they look to maintain momentum, with players like Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jae'Sean Tate leading the charge. Given their current form, fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see just how far the Rockets can go this season.