Houston – In a commanding performance on Saturday night, the Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-98, with forward Jabari Smith Jr. delivering a career‑high 30 points and nine rebounds. The win bolsters the Rockets’ push for a higher seed as the NBA season heads toward its crucial stretch.
Smith shines, Smart adds firepower
Smith shot an efficient 10‑of‑18 from the floor, including 6‑of‑12 from beyond the arc, showcasing his growing confidence as a scorer. Veteran guard Marcus Smart contributed 24 points, hitting 7‑of‑10 three‑pointers, and helped the Rockets post a solid 46% field‑goal percentage as a team. The Rockets also connected on 18 of 41 three‑point attempts, a key factor in building their lead.
Supporting cast steps up
Alperen Şengün, returning after missing two games with lower‑back soreness, posted a well‑rounded stat line of 16 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, demonstrating his versatility in the frontcourt. Former Thunder star Kevin Durant, now a Rocket, added 14 points, providing a veteran presence that helped keep the momentum.
Thunder struggle with injuries
Oklahoma City was hampered by injuries, most notably the loss of Chet Holmgren, who is expected to miss at least two months with a right‑knee injury. The Thunder also missed Fred VanVleet, who sat out due to right‑knee injury management, and rookie Reed Sheppard, sidelined with low‑back soreness. Despite Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s 26 points on 10‑of‑20 shooting, the Thunder could not close the gap.
Game flow
The Rockets seized control early, leading 37‑30 a minute into the second quarter and then stretching the lead to 55‑34 after an 18‑4 run capped by an Amen Thompson tip‑in with 6:10 left in the half. Oklahoma City rallied late in the half, cutting the deficit to 62‑51, but Houston maintained a double‑digit advantage at the break.
In the third quarter, Houston opened with an 8‑0 run, highlighted by a three‑pointer from Smith with ten minutes remaining, establishing a 19‑point cushion that never slipped below a 12‑point margin for the remainder of the game.
Looking ahead
Next up, the Thunder travel to Cleveland on Monday night, while the Rockets will host the Boston Celtics on Monday, offering another test for Houston’s young core as they aim to climb the Western Conference ladder.
The victory underscores the Rockets’ growing chemistry and depth, with multiple players stepping up when called upon. Fans can look forward to a competitive stretch as the team continues to develop under its current roster.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
