Atlanta built an early cushion, but Houston has trimmed the gap to one in the third quarter.
Atlanta struck first with 35 points in the opening quarter, then matched Houston at 31 apiece in the second to take a 66-63 halftime lead. CJ McCollum paced the Hawks with 15 points, while Jalen Johnson added 14. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 13 points, and Kevin Durant had 11 as the Rockets kept within striking distance. Houston has opened the third quarter with two points to Atlanta's none, making it 66-65; watch whether the Rockets finish the push or Atlanta restores its early separation.
Key Performers
CJ McCollum (Atlanta): 15 points, 3 steals, 6-for-8 shooting Jalen Johnson (Atlanta): 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks Alperen Sengun (Houston): 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists