Rockets Fall in Overtime to Sixers Despite Durant's Big Night: Free Throws, Defense Doom Houston Again
The Houston Rockets have found themselves in a familiar situation: another road game, another overtime battle, and unfortunately, another tough loss. This time, it came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, who outlasted the Rockets in a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest that ultimately exposed some of Houston’s most persistent issues.
Let’s start with what went right-because there was a lot to like on the offensive end. Kevin Durant was in vintage form, pouring in 36 points on an efficient 13-of-21 from the field, along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. He looked every bit the offensive anchor the Rockets need him to be, controlling the pace and hitting big shots in key moments.
And he wasn’t alone. Houston had five other players in double figures and shot the ball well across the board.
The bench chipped in 35 points, with strong performances from Tari Eason (13 points) and Reed Sheppard (14 points), who made his presence felt on both ends in the fourth quarter. Clint Capela gave them solid minutes defensively, and Dorian Finney-Smith knocked down a couple of timely threes.
Offensively, this was a game that should’ve been enough to win.
So how did they lose? Two words: defense and free throws.
Philadelphia shot a blistering 55.1% from the field and absolutely dominated the paint, scoring 66 points inside. The Maxey-Embiid pick-and-roll was a nightmare all night.
Tyrese Maxey carved up the Rockets’ defense with 36 points and 10 assists, consistently getting into the lane and finishing at the rim or setting up teammates. And Joel Embiid?
He quietly logged a triple-double with over 30 points and 15 rebounds, doing so with a level of control that didn’t scream dominance-but was absolutely dominant nonetheless.
Add in a red-hot Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting, and the Rockets simply couldn’t get enough stops when it mattered.
But even with all that, Houston still had a chance to win this game in regulation. That’s where the free throws come in.
The Rockets missed 12 free throws in a game they lost by six. That’s not just a footnote-it’s a headline.
This isn’t a one-off either. Outside of Durant, the team’s struggles at the line are becoming a real liability.
In tight games, especially on the road, free throws can be the difference between a win and a loss. Right now, they’re costing the Rockets games.
And then there’s the late-game execution. Houston had opportunities to close this one out in the fourth quarter but once again fell short.
There was a controversial no-call on a potential goaltending when Durant blocked a Maxey layup after it hit the backboard-a play that could’ve swung the game. But even beyond that moment, the Rockets managed just seven points in the overtime period.
That’s not going to cut it against a team like Philly, especially when they’re firing on all cylinders.
The loss drops Houston to 26-16 on the season, still good for fourth in the Western Conference. But the concerning trend is their recent form: just 5-5 in their last 10 and a rough 3-11 on the road since early December. That’s not the trajectory you want heading into the second half of the season.
Next up? A quick turnaround against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons-on the road, no less.
It’s a tough ask after a draining overtime loss, but the Rockets are going to have to find a way to clean up the little things if they want to stay in the mix out West. The talent is there.
The effort is there. But until they tighten up their defense and start cashing in at the free-throw line, the margin for error will remain razor-thin.
This one stings-but there’s no time to dwell. The season doesn’t slow down, and neither can the Rockets.