NBA · Final Recap
Houston Rockets Outlast Hawks Despite Atlanta’s 33-Point Fourth
October 25, 2026 · 3:08 AM
Houston’s first-half cushion held up as Atlanta mounted a late push, leaving the Rockets with a 121-114 road win.
Houston took a 59-48 halftime lead and held on for a 121-114 win. The teams scored 33 apiece in the third, and Atlanta won the fourth 33-29, but the Hawks could not close the seven-point gap. Kevin Durant led Houston with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists, no steals, 1 block and 2 turnovers. Reed Sheppard scored 19 on 7-of-13 shooting with 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, no blocks and 3 turnovers. Alperen Sengun had 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, no blocks and 3 turnovers, while Amen Thompson also scored 17, shooting 4-of-12 and adding 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, no blocks and 2 turnovers. Jalen Johnson powered Atlanta with 26 points on 8-of-19 shooting, 9 rebounds, 16 assists, 2 steals, no blocks and 2 turnovers. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, no blocks and 1 turnover for the Hawks.
Key Performers
Kevin Durant, HOU: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST; 8-15 FG Reed Sheppard, HOU: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL; 7-13 FG Jalen Johnson, ATL: 26 PTS, 9 REB, 16 AST, 2 STL; 8-19 FG
Standings Impact
Houston improved to 3-0 and ranks No. 2 in the power index. Atlanta is 2-1 and ranks No. 10.
DYMA Insight
Atlanta had a 26-point, 16-assist performance from Johnson, but Houston answered with four players scoring at least 17. That balance helped the Rockets protect their first-half advantage.