SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In a thrilling encounter on Thursday night, the Houston Rockets notched a 121-110 victory over the Utah Jazz, propelled by an impressive performance from Alperen Sengun, who scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Amen Thompson also contributed significantly, finishing the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, helping the Rockets solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Rockets have now opened up a two-game lead over the third-place Denver Nuggets, with just over two weeks remaining in the regular season. Jalen Green added 21 points, while Tari Eason chipped in with 15, showcasing the depth of Houston’s roster as they aim for a strong finish.
On the other side, Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Rockets’ offensive firepower. Keyonte George scored 17 points, while Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski contributed 16 each, and Brice Sensabaugh added 15 points. The loss marked a disappointing 14th defeat in the last 15 games for Utah, raising concerns about their playoff aspirations.
The game was pivotal for the Rockets as they embark on an eight-game stretch that includes only two home games. They are in a tight race with the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies for the coveted No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. As the playoffs approach, every win counts, and the Rockets are feeling the pressure.
A key moment in the game occurred when Sexton sank a 3-pointer to trim Houston’s lead to 105-102 with just 3:36 left on the clock. However, Thompson responded quickly, scoring 18 seconds later to ignite a 6-0 run that gave the Rockets some much-needed breathing room.
Houston dominated the boards, outrebounding Utah 58-40, including an astounding 18-3 advantage on the offensive glass. This dominance translated into a staggering 30-8 edge in second-chance points, illustrating the Rockets’ relentless pursuit of the basketball.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Meanwhile, the Jazz will kick off a challenging five-game road trip on Friday, March 28, 2025, against the Denver Nuggets, seeking to turn their fortunes around.
In a related note, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers showcased his dazzling skills on Monday, March 31, 2025, against the Rockets. Doncic executed a spectacular step-back move that sent Sengun crashing to the hardwood late in the second quarter. He took one dribble to his left at the top of the key, then stepped back with a dribble between his legs, leaving defenders in awe.
Instead of taking a shot himself, Doncic opted to drive and kick to Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who nailed a corner 3-pointer, adding to the excitement of the game. Doncic finished the first half with 15 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, continuing his impressive run of form.
Entering that matchup, Doncic had recorded six consecutive games with at least 25 points, marking his longest streak of the season. This achievement tied him with Nikola Jokic for the second-longest active scoring streak in the NBA, according to ESPN Research.
As the season winds down, the stakes are getting higher. The Rockets are focused on maintaining their position in the playoff standings, while the Jazz are desperate to find a way to break their losing streak. With the playoffs looming, every game is crucial, and the intensity is palpable.
Fans can expect thrilling basketball as teams jockey for playoff positioning, and the excitement of the NBA season continues to build. As the Rockets prepare for their next challenge against the Suns, all eyes will be on them to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure a favorable playoff spot.
