MIAMI (AP) — Fred VanVleet scored 37 points and the surging Houston Rockets won their ninth straight, beating the Miami Heat 102-98 Friday night. VanVleet shot 13 for 17 from the field and made a season-high 9 of 11 3-pointers, showcasing a standout performance that has been key to Houston's recent success.
The Rockets not only extended their winning streak but also snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Heat, who are now mired in their worst slump in years, having lost their 10th consecutive game. This streak is the longest for Miami since they experienced an 11-game losing streak during the 2007-08 season.
Amen Thompson returned to the lineup after missing the last six games due to a sprained left ankle, contributing 18 points and seven steals, which further bolstered the team. Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith also played significant roles, each adding 11 points. The Rockets were able to rally from an 11-point deficit in the third quarter, showcasing their resilience.
Meanwhile, for the Heat, Andrew Wiggins led the team with 30 points, marking his highest total since being acquired from the Golden State Warriors on February 6, 2025. Kel'el Ware had a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo matched his scoring with 16 points of his own. Despite holding a lead at 65-54 in the third quarter, Miami was unable to maintain their advantage, once again squandering a double-digit lead that has become a troubling trend this season.
As the game approached the fourth quarter, VanVleet ignited a personal 9-2 run to start the final period, which helped the Rockets take control of the game. His efforts included two 3-pointers, a layup, and a free throw, pushing Houston ahead 87-84 and securing the lead for the remainder of the matchup.
In terms of team statistics, the Rockets dominated the boards, outrebounding the Heat 46-34, continuing a streak of eight consecutive games where they have won the rebounding battle against their opponents. This statistical edge played a crucial role in the outcome of the game and will be significant moving forward as they compete for playoff positioning.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, March 23, 2025, while the Heat are set to host the Charlotte Hornets on the same day. Both teams face pivotal moments in their seasons, as Houston seeks to build on their current momentum, and Miami tries to halt their disturbing trend of losses.
The Rockets' victory solidifies their standing as a competitive force in the Western Conference, whereas the Heat will need to regroup and find solutions to their mounting problems if they hope to reclaim their previous form and make a push toward the playoffs.
As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will remain on both teams to see how they navigate the challenges ahead, particularly the Heat's struggle as they continue to grapple with consistency in their performance.
