On January 7, 2025, the Houston Rockets dominated the Washington Wizards, securing a 135-112 victory at the Capital One Arena. The Rockets showcased their depth and skill, particularly through star player Jalen Green, who exploded with 29 points, 22 of which came during an impressive third-quarter performance.
The game began with the Wizards catching the Rockets off guard, building an early 12-point lead. Washington, led by Corey Kispert, who scored 23 points, initially made it look like they might turn their misfortunes around as they struggled at the start of the season. Jonas Valanciūnas contributed another 18 points, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Rockets.
The first quarter ended somewhat optimistically for the Wizards, but the Rockets quickly shifted the momentum in the second quarter. After trailing, Houston closed the gap and managed to overcome Washington's lead, headed to halftime up by two points.
Key to the game was Houston's relentless defense and offensive rebounds. According to sports analysts, the Rockets capitalized on the Wizards' turnovers, scoring 35 points off of those mistakes, the most any opponent had managed against Washington this season. The Rockets have demonstrated their efficiency, especially on the offensive glass, which has become one of their signatures this season.
Coming out of halftime, the Rockets unleashed fury on their opponents. Jalen Green fired up the crowd with his scoring spree, spearheading a 21-6 run during the third quarter. His performance exemplified Houston's strength, as he appeared to take control of the floor, hitting multiple three-pointers and showcasing his ability to manipulate the game's flow.
Alperen Sengun was another standout, contributing 26 points and 10 rebounds, marking another strong performance. This followed his solid display against the Lakers just days earlier. Amen Thompson also made significant contributions, notching a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds, indicating the Rockets’ depth across positions.
The Wizards, already battling injuries to key players like Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, found it increasingly difficult to mount any resistance. Poole sat out due to a bruised left hip, and Kuzma could only watch after suffering another bruise just before halftime, significantly weakening Washington's offensive punch.
The loss was the Wizards' third straight, dropping their record to 6-28 for the season. Meanwhile, the Rockets improved to 24-12, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Houston's victory showcased their strategic play and ability to adapt, showcasing resilience not only during the game but throughout the season. Coach Ime Udoka's trust in his players was evident as they executed plans effectively against the Wizards, who are struggling to regain form.
Looking forward, the Rockets will continue their road adventure, facing the Memphis Grizzlies on January 9. Meanwhile, the Wizards will head to Philadelphia, searching for answers and desperately needing to turn their situation around as they approach the midway point of the season.