Rockets dominate home floor
The Houston Rockets improved to 6-1 with a decisive 119-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday at Toyota Center. Jabari Smith Jr. led the charge with a career-high performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Alperen Sengun controlled the pace from the interior, recording nine assists to facilitate the offense.
The Thunder, now 4-2, could not overcome Houston's balanced attack in front of a crowd of 18,055.
Early lead establishes tone
Houston set the tone immediately, outscoring Oklahoma City 35-26 in the first quarter. The Rockets built a double-digit cushion early, with Smith Jr. hitting three-pointers and Sengun drawing fouls. By the end of the second period, the home team led 62-51.
The Thunder managed to limit the deficit in the third quarter, scoring 24 points, but Houston responded with 30 points to extend their lead to 92-75 entering the final frame. The fourth quarter saw Houston maintain control, finishing the game with a 27-23 advantage in that segment.
Key contributors
Smith Jr. was the primary offensive threat, hitting shots from deep and at the rim. His 30-point total was the highest on the board, significantly outpacing the Thunder's best scorer. Sengun’s nine assists were also the team high, showing his ability to create for teammates like Marcus Smart and Tari Eason.
On the other side of the ball, the Thunder relied on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 26 points. Ajay Mitchell contributed five assists, while Aday Mara led the visitors with nine rebounds. Despite these efforts, the Thunder’s scoring was outmatched by Houston’s efficiency.
Final records
The win lifts the Rockets to a 6-1 record, highlighting their strong start to the season. The Thunder drop to 4-2 after the loss. The game featured no overtime, with Houston pulling away in the final minutes to secure a comfortable victory.
The statistical disparity in scoring and playmaking was evident, with the Rockets outscoring the Thunder in three of the four quarters. This result underscores Houston's offensive firepower and Sengun's pivotal role in orchestrating the team's success.
Sources
ESPN
