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The Rockets’ offensive firepower overwhelms the short-handed Jazz in a lopsided victory that keeps Houston’s playoff push alive.Houston Today
The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with a dominant 140-106 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Friday. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 25 points, while Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, and Tari Eason all scored in double figures. The Rockets led wire-to-wire and by as many as 37 points, converting 13 Jazz turnovers into 23 points.
Why it matters
The Rockets’ fifth straight win keeps them firmly in the playoff picture in the Western Conference, as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason. Meanwhile, the struggling Jazz, playing without their two leading scorers, have now lost 12 of their last 13 games.
The details
The Rockets shot 55.4% from the field and 15-for-32 from 3-point range, with Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard each making four 3-pointers. Brice Sensabaugh scored 20 points for the Jazz, including nine in the third quarter to help cut the deficit to 14, but the Rockets responded with a 19-4 run to close the quarter and put the game out of reach.
The Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with Friday’s victory.The Jazz were playing without their two leading scorers, Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, who were out with injuries.
The players
Kevin Durant
The Rockets’ star forward scored a team-high 25 points to lead the way.
Amen Thompson
The Rockets’ rookie guard paired 21 points with 8 rebounds.
Alperen Sengun
The Rockets’ second-year center added 19 points and 5 assists.
Brice Sensabaugh
The Jazz rookie scored a team-high 20 points, including 9 in the third quarter.
Cody Williams
The Jazz forward posted a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
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What they’re saying
“We’ve been playing some really good basketball lately, and it’s great to see everyone contributing. This was a total team effort.”
— Kevin Durant, Rockets Forward
“We just couldn’t get stops when we needed them. Credit to the Rockets, they came out firing on all cylinders and we couldn’t match their intensity.”
— Cody Williams, Jazz Forward
What’s next
The Rockets will look to extend their winning streak to six games when they host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The Jazz will try to snap their recent skid when they visit the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
The takeaway
The Rockets’ balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for the short-handed Jazz, as Houston continued its push towards a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Utah’s struggles without its top scorers highlight the team’s need to get healthy and find more consistent production if they hope to turn things around before the end of the season.