SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz closed their six-game homestand on Thursday night with a disappointing 1-5 record after falling 121-110 to the Houston Rockets. Despite a valiant effort, the Jazz couldn't overcome a strong performance from the Rockets, particularly from Alperen Sengun, who led all scorers with 33 points.
Collin Sexton was the standout for Utah, scoring 21 points, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory. The Jazz had previously suffered a crushing defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the week, losing 140-103, which left head coach Will Hardy searching for answers.
“The decisions that have to be made moving forward are much bigger than whether you get to play on Thursday,” Hardy said after the Memphis loss. However, the team showed signs of improvement against the Rockets, responding well after a poor performance.
“That type of effort, flying around defensively, competing, sharing the ball on offense, playing with maximum effort for a majority of the game — that is what you can build on,” Hardy added, highlighting the positive aspects of the team's performance.
In the game against the Rockets, Keyonte George added 17 points and eight assists, showcasing his developing skills. Isaiah Collier also contributed with 16 points and five assists, while Kyle Filipowski finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. However, it was Brice Sensabaugh who stole the show with an impressive 17 points, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, including 5-for-5 from three-point range.
Despite the loss, the Jazz displayed resilience, particularly in the second half. After falling behind, they fought hard to keep the game competitive. “Everybody took accountability for what happened in the second half of last game, and I feel like today was a good bounce back,” Hardy remarked.
The game started off as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The Rockets shot just 9-for-25 from the floor in the first quarter but managed to take a narrow lead thanks to their rebounding prowess, led by Sengun.
In the second quarter, Houston surged ahead with an 18-7 run, taking a 14-point lead. However, the Jazz responded with a 16-4 run of their own, narrowing the gap to just two points by halftime, with the score at 53-51 in favor of the Rockets.
As the third quarter unfolded, both teams exchanged baskets, but Houston managed to maintain their lead. The Rockets ended the quarter up 89-80, but the Jazz continued to apply pressure.
In the fourth quarter, the Rockets struggled to maintain their momentum, allowing the Jazz to chip away at their lead. With under three minutes left, the Rockets found themselves in a tight battle. However, Sengun and Jalen Green, who finished with 21 points, stepped up in the clutch, sealing the victory for Houston.
The loss brings the Jazz’s road woes to the forefront as they prepare for a challenging five-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, March 28, 2025. The Jazz have lost 15 consecutive games on the road, making this upcoming stretch crucial for their development and future.
“We have to learn from this and keep pushing forward,” Sexton said post-game. “We know what we need to do to improve, and we’re committed to making those changes.”
The Rockets, on the other hand, continue their strong push for the playoffs, having won eleven of their last twelve games. Alongside Sengun’s dominance, Amen Thompson also contributed significantly with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing the depth of Houston’s roster.
Next up for the Rockets is a road game against the Phoenix Suns, which will be pivotal as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.
The Jazz will broadcast their upcoming game against the Nuggets at 7:00 p.m. MST, available on KJZZ and streamed on Jazz+. Fans are eager to see if the team can finally break their road losing streak and build on the positive signs shown against the Rockets.
