Rockets Hold Off Hawks 121-114, Strengthen Hold on No. 2 Spot in West

On March 25, 2025, the Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 at the Toyota Center, marking their 10th win in their last 11 games. The victory propelled the Rockets to a 47-26 record, strengthening their hold on the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference.

Key Performances:

• Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his scoring ability and effort on both ends of the floor.

• Fred VanVleet contributed 21 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 performance from the free-throw line, and played a crucial role in sealing the win late in the game.

• Jabari Smith Jr. added 17 points and two 3-pointers, providing vital offense.

• Tari Eason posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, continuing his strong play for Houston.

• Alperen Sengun had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, contributing to both the Rockets' offense and defense.

Atlanta Hawks Highlights:

• Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with a double-double, recording 19 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals.

• Trae Young added 19 points and 12 assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to get the Hawks back into the game.

• Onyeka Okongwu contributed with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Game Recap:

The Rockets took control early, leading 65-48 at halftime. Despite a strong push from the Hawks in the second half, including a 17-2 run that brought them within 98-94 with 7:20 remaining, the Rockets held on. Houston outscored Atlanta by 24 points in the second half and extended their lead in the fourth quarter.

With key players stepping up, including VanVleet's clutch free throws in the final moments, the Rockets were able to withstand Atlanta's late-game surge and secure the win.

Key Stats:

• Houston was dominant from the free-throw line, making 26 of 29 attempts, a key factor in their success.

• The Rockets also out-rebounded the Hawks significantly, with a 33-8 advantage in second-half rebounds.

Upcoming Games:

• The Rockets will face the Utah Jazz on March 27, 2025, looking to extend their winning streak.

• The Hawks will host the Miami Heat on March 27, 2025, as they attempt to bounce back from this defeat.

The win helped Houston maintain their position in the upper echelons of the Western Conference, while Atlanta's struggles continued, as they made just 15 of 49 attempts from beyond the arc.