Rockets Hold Off Late Surge, Hand Hawks Defeat

HOUSTON, Texas (AP) — The Houston Rockets secured a 121-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on March 25, advancing their playoff ambitions and snapping the Hawks’ three-game winning streak. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points and 11 rebounds, allowing Houston to maintain its second place in the Western Conference with a record of 47-26.

After a back-and-forth start, the Rockets seized control of the game with a strong performance in the first half. Powered by scoring from Green and a solid showing from Fred VanVleet, who added 21 points, the Rockets established a 65-48 lead by halftime. Green’s contributions included a difficult three-point play that capped off a 30-23 first quarter.

The Hawks struggled to contain Houston’s imposing frontcourt featuring Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun as they fell behind by as much as 25 points. Trae Young‘s first-half performance kept Atlanta within shouting distance, scoring 13 points and dishing out five assists.

In the third quarter, the Rockets maintained their lead, bringing the score to 94-74 as they entered the final period. However, the Hawks initiated a furious comeback, beginning with a 20-4 run that narrowed the gap to 98-94, fueled by strong performances from Dyson Daniels and Terance Mann.

Young and Daniels each finished the game with 19 points, with Young also contributing 12 assists. Despite Atlanta’s late-game surge, the Rockets demonstrated their resilience, with VanVleet ultimately sinking crucial free throws to preserve the win.

“We played well enough to win tonight, but we have to be better with our execution down the stretch,” VanVleet said following the game.

The highlights of the match also featured a notable defensive effort by Houston, who forced the Hawks to commit 16 turnovers that contributed to 22 points.

Despite the defeat, the Hawks have shown flashes of promise this season. They will look to rebound against the Miami Heat in their upcoming matchup. Currently sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks hold a four-game lead over Miami.

The Hawks’ struggles included their three-point shooting, which fell flat at 11 of 39 (28%). Zaccharie Risacher, Mouhamed Gueye, and Dominick Barlow collectively struggled offensively, shooting a combined 2 of 20.

As the teams prepare for their next challenges, the Rockets will aim to keep their momentum going against the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while the Hawks look to regroup and secure a win, having the opportunity to clinch the season series against Miami.