Rockets Grind Out Win in Atlanta, Shake Off Spurs Collapse with Defensive Statement
Less than 24 hours after a fourth-quarter meltdown against the Spurs, the Houston Rockets were back on the floor-this time in Atlanta-and faced with the kind of back-to-back that tests a team’s mental toughness as much as its legs. And while the first half of Thursday’s game might not make any end-of-season highlight reels, the Rockets ultimately responded the way a playoff-hopeful team should: by locking in defensively, leaning on their depth, and walking away with a win.
Let’s be honest-this one didn’t start pretty. Both teams looked like they were playing through molasses in the first quarter, combining for just 46 points.
The Rockets and Hawks traded bricks early, and for a while, it felt like neither squad wanted to take control. Atlanta, dealing with a laundry list of injuries-including key contributors like Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, and high draft pick Zacharie Risacher-was forced to roll out a patchwork starting five.
Christian Koloko, Vit Krejci, Nikeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Corey Kispert got the nod, with CJ McCollum coming off the bench as a scoring punch.
The Rockets weren’t at full strength either. Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith were all sidelined, and head coach Ime Udoka turned to Josh Okogie in the starting lineup to fill the defensive void left by Eason.
The first half was a grind. Houston managed just 43 points by halftime, Atlanta 42.
It was the kind of game where every possession felt like a battle, but not necessarily in the good way. The Rockets' offense sputtered, their defense held firm, and the Hawks looked like a team running on fumes.
But the second half told a different story.
Houston came out of the break with renewed energy, particularly on the glass and in transition. They started winning the 50-50 balls, making the extra pass, and most importantly-hitting shots.
The third quarter was the turning point, with the Rockets outscoring Atlanta 34-24. They didn’t let a brief Hawks run, fueled by a few timely threes, derail their momentum.
Instead, they kept their composure, executed their sets, and pushed the lead into double digits.
By the fourth, the Rockets were in control. Atlanta, visibly worn down and short on firepower, struggled to mount any real comeback. Houston extended their lead to 19, and while Udoka kept the starters in a bit longer than some might’ve expected, the outcome was never really in doubt down the stretch.
Durant Does What Durant Does
Kevin Durant once again looked like the most reliable weapon in the Rockets' arsenal. The veteran forward poured in 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting in just 34 minutes.
He was efficient, composed, and every bit the offensive anchor the Rockets needed on a night when style points were hard to come by. Durant’s ability to rise above the chaos and get to his spots was crucial in keeping the Rockets steady through the game’s early slop.
Role Players Step Up
Josh Okogie made the most of his spot start, bringing energy and defensive intensity from the jump. He grabbed 10 rebounds, knocked down his open looks, and was a disruptive presence on the perimeter. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t always show up in the box score but makes a real difference over 48 minutes.
Clint Capela gave Houston a strong 18-minute shift off the bench, finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks. His presence in the paint was a big part of the Rockets’ third-quarter surge, and his chemistry with rookie Reed Sheppard continues to grow. It’s a pairing that’s starting to yield real results.
Speaking of Sheppard, the rookie guard had another tale of two halves. After a quiet first half, he came alive in the second, finishing with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal in 26 minutes.
He shot just 5-of-14 from the field, but his 3-of-7 mark from beyond the arc helped stretch the floor and open up driving lanes. Sheppard’s decision-making is still a work in progress, but there’s no denying the offensive spark he brings when he finds his rhythm.
Jae’Sean Tate also gave the Rockets quality minutes-20 of them, to be exact-doing the little things that help teams win. He didn’t light up the scoreboard, but his defensive versatility and hustle were felt.
Alperen Sengun Battles Through It
It wasn’t a banner night for Alperen Sengun, who looked visibly drained and possibly still dealing with the effects of a minor injury or illness. He finished with 10 rebounds but struggled offensively and looked a step slow on both ends.
With Steven Adams still out and Udoka hesitant to lean on Clint Capela for extended stretches, Sengun may be asked to push through the fatigue. Whether that’s sustainable is a question worth monitoring.
Jabari Smith Jr. Flashes Late
Jabari Smith Jr. flirted with a bounce-back game and gave Rockets fans a highlight with a powerful dunk in the fourth quarter in front of friends and family. While his overall stat line might not jump off the page, his confidence seemed to grow as the game went on-a positive sign for a player still finding his consistency.
Defense Wins the Day
At the end of the night, Houston held an NBA team to just 86 points. No matter how depleted the Hawks were, that kind of defensive effort is something to build on. After a frustrating collapse against San Antonio, the Rockets responded with grit, physicality, and a commitment to getting stops.
And while it wasn’t always pretty, it was effective.
Next Up: Dallas in Prime Time
The Rockets now return home to face the Mavericks on Saturday in a nationally televised game on ABC. It’s a big stage and a big opportunity for this young Rockets team to show they’re more than just a fun League Pass watch-they’re a team that can compete with the West’s best.
For now, though, they’ll take the win. Any victory on the second night of a back-to-back is worth celebrating, especially when it comes with a defensive clinic and a double-digit margin.