In a thrilling matchup on March 19, 2025, the Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic 116-108, extending their win streak to eight games and securing a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2019-20. This victory marked a key moment for the Rockets, who now sit with a record of 45-25.
Jalen Green showcased his scoring prowess, leading the Rockets with 26 points, while Alperen Şengün contributed 22 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Tari Eason made a significant impact on both ends of the court, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and five steals. The Rockets executed a solid team performance that emphasized their improvement on both defense and offense, crucial under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka.
The game started slowly for the Rockets as Orlando jumped to an early lead, shooting over 50% midway through the opening quarter. However, Houston quickly modified their strategy, focusing on free throws where they excelled, going a perfect 10-for-10 in the first quarter alone. This effort helped them minimize the damage from a Magic team that began the game on fire.
Houston took control of the game by the end of the first quarter and maintained this momentum with a 28-23 lead. As the second quarter unfolded, the Magic initially fought back and recaptured the lead after a 15-2 run. But the Rockets responded with a crucial run of their own, finishing the first half strong with a 20-8 run, closing the quarter with a buzzer-beater three-pointer by Fred VanVleet, ending the half at 56-52 in favor of Houston.
The third quarter was pivotal for the Rockets, demonstrating their offensive strength. Houston dominated this period, outscoring the Magic 32-20, with Green contributing another 11 points. They executed a 12-0 run that elevated their lead to as much as 15 points, establishing a solid cushion going into the fourth.
While the Rockets faced increased turnovers that allowed Orlando to narrow the gap late in the game, they maintained composure. With just over two minutes left, Orlando, led by Paolo Banchero's impressive 31 points, clawed back within seven points. It was the defensive efforts of Eason, though, that proved crucial in the closing moments. He partnered with Jabari Smith Jr. to cash in late free throws that ultimately secured the victory.
The Magic, who shot 44.6 percent from the field, struggled mightily from beyond the arc, hitting only 25.7% of their three-point attempts. Banchero, while effective, could not shoulder the load alone. Franz Wagner added 20 points and Goga Bitadze contributed 19 off the bench, but it was not enough to offset Houston’s aggressive play and composure in the clutch.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised his players, highlighting the work of Eason. "Obviously, stealing the ball from an NBA player is not the easiest thing to do, so you're gonna have to take some risks," Eason mentioned earlier this month, reflecting his defensive mindset that resonated well with Udoka’s strategies.
The defense, which had been a concern for the Rockets in past seasons—ranked 29th in defensive rating last season—has seen substantial improvement. With Eason leading the team in steals, the Rockets have effectively transformed their defensive approach while still allowing their talented scorers to flourish offensively.
As the regular season winds down, the Rockets are poised to make a serious bid for the playoffs, having clinched at least a play-in berth. Looking ahead, the franchise eyes a return to its former glory after several rebuilding years. With emerging talents like Green, Eason, and Şengün, the future looks promising for Houston fans.
Next, the Rockets will travel to Miami to face the Heat on March 21, 2025, in another highly anticipated matchup. There is optimism around the potential return of Amen Thompson, who has been recovering from an ankle sprain and missed the last five games but participated in a recent shootaround.
This game against the Magic not only solidifies the Rockets’ current success but also marks a chapter in their re-emergence as competitive contenders in the Western Conference, revitalizing hope for a franchise looking to make a significant impact come playoff time.
