The Houston Rockets secured their fourth consecutive victory by narrowly defeating the Atlanta Hawks 100-96 on Tuesday night, improving their standing in the Western Conference. Jalen Green delivered a standout performance, scoring 25 points, including 12 pivotal points in the third quarter that helped maintain the Rockets’ lead.
Alperen Sengun contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson each added 11 points. This win places the Rockets at 10 victories in their last 12 games, solidifying their position 1 1/2 games ahead of Memphis for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
Despite the Rockets’ efforts, the Hawks put up a fight, with Trae Young leading Atlanta with 21 points and nine assists. However, Atlanta’s struggles continued as this loss marked their sixth straight defeat since a victory over the Celtics on January 18.
A crucial moment came when the Hawks managed to cut the deficit to just two points in the final seconds. De’Andre Hunter had a chance to give Atlanta the lead with a 3-pointer but missed, resulting in a turnover that allowed Sengun to seal the game with a dunk in the closing moments.
The Hawks struggled significantly from beyond the arc, finishing the game shooting only 11 of 47 from 3-point range, with a particularly poor stretch after their initial shots.
Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, while the Rockets prepare for a crucial matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, which could further impact their playoff positioning.
In summary, the Rockets continue to build momentum as they climb the standings, while the Hawks need to regroup and find a way to break their losing streak. This victory signifies Houston’s potential in the ongoing season and sets the stage for an exciting race in the Western Conference.