Rockets Beat Hawks 121-114 as Durant Scores 22

The Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, overcoming standout performer Jalen Johnson’s 26 points, nine rebounds and 16 assists at State Farm Arena. Kevin Durant led Houston with 22 points as the Rockets improved to 3-0 behind more efficient shooting and an 11-point halftime advantage.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Rockets Establish a Four-Point Edge

Houston outscored Atlanta 30-26 in the opening quarter, establishing an early advantage on the road. The Rockets would build on that margin before halftime rather than leave themselves dependent on a late comeback.

Second Quarter: Houston Extends Its Lead

The Rockets won the second quarter 29-22, producing the largest scoring differential of any period. That seven-point edge extended their lead to 59-48 at halftime and proved important in a game ultimately decided by seven points.

Third Quarter: Both Offenses Deliver 33 Points

Atlanta increased its scoring after the break, but Houston matched the Hawks with 33 points. The even quarter preserved the Rockets’ 11-point cushion, sending them into the fourth ahead 92-81.

Fourth Quarter: Atlanta Gains Ground, Houston Holds On

The Hawks outscored the Rockets 33-29 in the final period, reducing the deficit by four points. Houston’s earlier work provided enough room to finish with a 121-114 regulation victory.

Key Performers

• Kevin Durant, Rockets: Led Houston with 22 points as the visitors remained unbeaten.
• Reed Sheppard, Rockets: Delivered 19 points, six rebounds and a team-high seven assists, contributing across scoring, rebounding and playmaking.
• Alperen Sengun, Rockets: Collected a team-high 11 rebounds, helping Houston finish with a 44-42 advantage on the boards.
• Jalen Johnson, Hawks: Led all scorers with 26 points and paced Atlanta in rebounds with nine and assists with 16. He finished one rebound short of a triple-double.

NerdSports Stat: Houston made more 3-pointers than Atlanta despite taking 14 fewer attempts—14 makes on 35 attempts for the Rockets, compared with 13 on 49 for the Hawks.

Game Analysis: Shooting Efficiency Makes the Difference

Both teams made 43 field goals, but Houston needed only 89 attempts compared with Atlanta’s 97. The Rockets shot 48.3% overall and 40.0% from 3-point range, while the Hawks finished at 44.3% overall and 26.5% from beyond the arc.

Atlanta’s perimeter volume did not translate into a scoring advantage. The Hawks attempted 49 threes—slightly more than half of their field-goal attempts—but made one fewer than Houston. That efficiency gap helped the Rockets offset Atlanta’s eight additional shot attempts.

Free throws supplied another meaningful difference. Houston went 21-for-23, converting 91.3%, while Atlanta finished 15-for-21 at 71.4%. The Rockets earned six more points at the line despite taking just two more attempts.

Atlanta’s passing remained a positive. The Hawks recorded 35 assists on 43 made baskets, with Johnson supplying 16 of those assists. Houston finished with 27 assists, including seven from Sheppard. Still, Atlanta’s playmaking could not fully compensate for its lower shooting percentages.

Closing Context: Rockets Stay Unbeaten Ahead of Rematch

Houston improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 on the road, while Atlanta fell to 2-1 after losing its first home game of the season. The teams are scheduled to meet again Monday, October 26, at 5:30 p.m. PDT, giving the Hawks an immediate opportunity to respond and the Rockets a chance to extend their unbeaten start.

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