HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Rockets showcased their playoff ambitions with a tight 121-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Jalen Green proved to be the standout performer, scoring 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, as Houston maintained its grip on the second spot in the Western Conference with a 47-26 record. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Rockets, as they have now won 10 of their last 11 games.
The Rockets jumped out to an early lead, initially fueled by strong performances from Green and Fred VanVleet. VanVleet contributed 21 points, shooting 5 of 14 from the field and making all of his free throws, showcasing his clutch abilities. The first quarter saw the Rockets leading 30-23 after a strong finish, in which Green converted a difficult three-point play to close the period.
In the second quarter, the Rockets continued to build their advantage, outscoring the Hawks by establishing a decisive 65-48 lead at halftime. Green led the charge with 14 points going into the break, while Trae Young was Atlanta's leading scorer with 13 points.
As the game progressed, the Rockets maintained a comfortable lead, stretching it to as much as 20 points after three quarters, ending the period with a score of 94-74. However, the Hawks were not done yet and began the fourth quarter with a vengeance. Behind a 20-4 run, Atlanta cut the lead to just 98-94, fueled by notable performances from Dyson Daniels and Terance Mann.
In the closing moments of the game, with just 22 seconds left, the Hawks looked to stage a miraculous comeback, narrowing the gap to just 117-114. But VanVleet showcased his composure, hitting four crucial free throws to secure the victory.
The game reflected the resilience of both teams, showcasing the Rockets' ability to maintain their lead and withstand a late surge from the Hawks. Dyson Daniels led Atlanta with 19 points and 10 assists, while Trae Young contributed significantly with 19 points and 12 assists, showing why the Hawks had entered the game on a three-game winning streak.
Despite this loss, the Hawks displayed tremendous effort, particularly during their fourth-quarter rally. The Rockets were effective in shutting down Atlanta's attempts for most of the game. Houston's defense stepped up, particularly in the early stages where they forced 16 turnovers that resulted in 22 points for the Rockets.
Ultimately, the Rockets secured the victory, propelling them further above the chasing Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings. They will face the Utah Jazz on Thursday, looking to keep their momentum going as they aim for their first playoff appearance since 2020.
As for the Hawks, they will look to regroup against the Miami Heat. Despite the setback, their recent performances show promise for the remainder of the season.
This game was not only about individual highlights but also reflected the strategic depth of both teams as they prepare for an extended playoff push. The significance of this win for the Rockets places them in a strong position as they approach the finale of the regular season.
With exciting games ahead, fans from both teams can continue to expect thrilling basketball as the playoff race heats up.
