HOUSTON -- Jalen Green put on a spectacular performance, scoring 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 on Tuesday night, March 25, 2025. This victory solidified the Rockets' position in the Western Conference, moving them to a record of 47-26, two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets.
In addition to Green's standout game, Fred VanVleet contributed significantly with 21 points, shooting 5 of 14 from the field, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc. He also went a perfect 8 for 8 from the free-throw line. Tari Eason was a force on the boards, pulling down 14 rebounds for Houston.
For the Hawks, Dyson Daniels led the way with 19 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals, while Trae Young also scored 19 points and dished out 12 assists. Despite their efforts, the Hawks struggled with their shooting, especially from three-point range, where they managed to make only 15 of 49 attempts.
The Rockets took control of the game early, establishing a lead with 1:13 left in the first quarter and never relinquishing it. They went into halftime with a commanding 65-48 lead, with Green contributing 14 points in the first half alone. By the end of the third quarter, the Rockets had extended their lead to 20 points.
However, the Hawks mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 98-94 with 7:20 remaining after a 17-2 run. Despite being outscored by 10 points in the second half, the Hawks showed resilience but ultimately fell short. VanVleet's clutch free-throw shooting in the final moments helped seal the victory for Houston.
As the game wound down, Georges Niang hit a three-pointer to pull the Hawks within 117-114 with just 22 seconds left, but VanVleet responded by making four consecutive free throws, ensuring the Rockets' win. Houston's success at the free-throw line was notable, as they made 26 of 29 attempts throughout the game.
The Hawks, who had entered the game on a three-game winning streak, now face a challenging matchup against the Miami Heat on Thursday night, March 27, 2025. Meanwhile, the Rockets will travel to face the Utah Jazz on the same night, looking to build on their recent form.
In analyzing the game, several key factors contributed to the Hawks' struggle. Their three-point shooting was a significant issue, as they finished with a dismal 28% from beyond the arc. The Rockets' zone defense effectively disrupted Atlanta's offensive flow, particularly in the first half. Although the Hawks improved their shooting in the fourth quarter, going 6 for 12 from three, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Additionally, the Hawks were hampered by their lack of depth in the frontcourt. With Clint Capela and Larry Nance sidelined, they relied heavily on Onyeka Okongwu, who played over 38 minutes. Dominick Barlow, filling in for Capela, struggled, finishing with only two points and three rebounds in nine minutes of play.
Another significant factor was the Rockets' dominance on the boards, especially in the first half. They scored 20 second-chance points before halftime, which played a crucial role in their early lead. Although Houston failed to score any second-chance points in the second half, the damage had already been done, and they managed to hold on for the victory.
As the regular season progresses, the Rockets are looking to maintain their momentum as they aim for a strong playoff position. Their recent form, having won 10 of their last 11 games, is a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Hawks, on the other hand, will need to address their shooting woes and find a way to capitalize on their offensive opportunities if they hope to secure a playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.
With both teams facing pivotal games ahead, the stakes remain high as they strive to improve their standings. Fans can expect an exciting finish to the season as teams battle for playoff positioning.
