SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the Houston Rockets secured a solid 121-110 victory over the Utah Jazz, showcasing their growing prowess as the regular season winds down. Alperen Sengun led the charge with a phenomenal performance, racking up 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Amen Thompson contributed significantly with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
The Rockets, who have now won 11 of their last 12 games, are firmly in control of the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, maintaining a two-game lead over the third-place Denver Nuggets. With only a couple of weeks left in the regular season, Houston is determined to solidify their playoff position.
Jalen Green also made his mark on the game, adding 21 points to the mix, while Tari Eason chipped in with 15. Despite the loss, Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 21 points, with Keyonte George contributing 17. Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski each scored 16, and Brice Sensabaugh added 15.
The game marked the beginning of an intense eight-game stretch for the Rockets, with only two of those contests taking place at home. As they aim to fend off competition from the Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies for the coveted No. 2 playoff seed, every game becomes crucial.
Utah, on the other hand, faced their 14th loss in 15 games, leaving fans searching for silver linings. Collier, in particular, has been a bright spot, scoring well above his season average in recent outings. Just two nights prior, he had an impressive 21-point showing against Memphis.
The pivotal moment of the game occurred late in the fourth quarter. After Sexton sank a 3-pointer, narrowing the Rockets' lead to 105-102 with just 3:36 left on the clock, Thompson quickly responded, scoring 18 seconds later and igniting a 6-0 run that allowed Houston to breathe a little easier.
One of the standout statistics from the night was Houston's dominance on the boards. The Rockets outrebounded the Jazz 58-40 overall, with a staggering 18-3 advantage on the offensive glass. This translated into a significant 30-8 edge in second-chance points, showcasing their relentless effort on both ends of the court.
Despite a less-than-stellar shooting night from Houston, where they managed just 46.1 percent from the field and a mere 32.4 percent from beyond the arc, they compensated with sheer volume. The Rockets launched 102 total shots compared to Utah’s 79, including 37 attempts from three-point range, compared to the Jazz's 23.
In terms of free-throw shooting, the Rockets excelled, hitting nearly 80 percent of their attempts, while the Jazz managed 76.5 percent. Sengun was particularly effective at the line, converting 11 of his 13 attempts, a highlight in an otherwise challenging shooting night for the team.
Turnovers were also a key factor in the Rockets' success. Houston finished the game with just nine giveaways, a testament to their disciplined play. Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Green all demonstrated their ability to manage the game effectively, with Green also contributing six assists and eight rebounds in a well-rounded performance.
As the Rockets prepare for their next matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, March 30, they are keen to continue their winning momentum. Meanwhile, the Jazz are set to embark on a challenging five-game road trip, starting with a game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, March 29.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Rockets are looking to gain valuable experience against top-tier competition. They are eager to maintain their winning ways and secure a favorable position as they head into the postseason. The upcoming games will serve as a crucial test for Houston, who are determined to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Rockets' latest victory not only reinforces their position in the playoff race but also highlights the emergence of their young stars. As they continue to build chemistry and confidence, Houston fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.
