The Houston Rockets took control in the second half and came away with a 117-95 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at Toyota Center. After a competitive first half, Houston turned the game with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 39-22 over that 12-minute stretch. Kevin Durant led the way with 25 points, while the Rockets’ balanced offense and strong work on the glass helped them improve to 42-27 on the season.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown
First quarter: Houston set the tone early by putting up 35 points in the opening period. Atlanta kept pace for stretches behind steady perimeter play, but the Rockets were more efficient offensively and held a 35-27 edge after one.
Second quarter: The teams played even basketball in the second, each scoring 27 points. Atlanta did enough to stay within reach going into halftime, but Houston maintained its eight-point cushion and carried a 62-54 lead into the break.
Third quarter: This was the turning point. The Rockets took full control with a 39-point quarter, moving the ball well and consistently finding quality looks. Houston also tightened up defensively, limiting the Hawks to 22 points in the period. By the end of the third, the Rockets had extended the margin to 101-76.
Fourth quarter: Atlanta won the final period 19-16, but the outcome was already in hand. Houston stayed composed, managed the clock, and closed out a comfortable 22-point victory on its home floor.
Key performers
Houston Rockets:
Durant led all scorers with 25 points and added six assists. Alperen Sengun paced Houston’s playmaking effort with 10 assists, helping the Rockets finish with 33 as a team. Tari Eason added 10 rebounds to lead the club on the glass as Houston finished with a 51-37 rebounding advantage.
As a team, the Rockets shot 50.6% from the field and 46.7% from three-point range, knocking down 14 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc. Their offensive balance was clear throughout the night, especially after halftime.
Atlanta Hawks:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 21 points and four assists. Zaccharie Risacher contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while Onyeka Okongwu led the Hawks with eight rebounds. Atlanta, however, had trouble finding consistent outside shooting, finishing at 25.7% from three-point range.
Game analysis
The biggest difference in this matchup was Houston’s command of the second half, particularly in the third quarter. The Rockets combined efficient shooting with strong ball movement, and their 33 assists reflected how well they generated offense. Houston’s advantage on the boards also gave it extra possessions and helped limit Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities.
For the Hawks, the first half offered a solid platform, but the offense could not keep up once Houston increased the tempo and execution after intermission. Atlanta shot 42.4% overall and made just nine three-pointers, which made it difficult to respond when the Rockets began to pull away. Houston’s ability to score efficiently inside and space the floor from the perimeter created a gap Atlanta could not close.
Closing context
The win moves Houston to 42-27 overall and 24-10 at home, another strong result as the Rockets continue to build momentum in the Western Conference race. Atlanta fell to 38-32 and 19-16 on the road, a result that could matter as the Eastern Conference standings tighten heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Friday’s game was tied in competitiveness for a half, but Houston’s third-quarter execution made the difference.
