Rockets Extend Perfect Season With 120-110 Victory Over Hawks

A Decisive Third Quarter

The Houston Rockets extended their perfect season to 4-0 on Monday, defeating the visiting Atlanta Hawks 120-110 at Toyota Center. The game’s momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter, where Houston outscored Atlanta 28-19 to build the cushion that proved insurmountable. Alperen Sengun was the engine of that surge, finishing with a game-high 29 points and 9 assists.

His ability to create for others and score efficiently allowed the Rockets to control the pace during a critical stretch of the contest.

Early Balance and Mid-Game Shifts

The first quarter was tight, with the Hawks taking a 35-32 lead after the opening period. Jock Landale provided the spark for Atlanta with 4 assists, while Jalen Johnson contributed 21 points and 9 rebounds. The second quarter saw the teams trade blows, as the Rockets closed the half with a 63-61 lead.

Jabari Smith Jr. was active on the glass, securing 12 rebounds for Houston. Despite the Hawks’ efforts to stay competitive, the Rockets’ balanced scoring began to assert itself as the game progressed into the second half.

Closing the Deal

Houston entered the fourth quarter with a 91-85 lead and never looked back. The Rockets scored 29 points in the final period while holding Atlanta to 25. Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet provided crucial offensive contributions, helping to extend the lead into double digits.

The final minutes saw the Rockets manage the clock effectively, with Sengun and Smith Jr. continuing to dominate the interior. The victory keeps Houston at 4-0 on the season, while the Hawks drop to 2-2.

Game Context

The matchup at Toyota Center drew an attendance of 18,055 fans. The Rockets’ defense and offensive efficiency were key factors in the 10-point victory. With Sengun leading the charge in scoring and playmaking, and Smith Jr. anchoring the frontcourt with his rebounding, Houston displayed the depth and versatility that has defined their start to the season.

The Hawks, led by Jalen Johnson’s scoring and Landale’s facilitation, fought hard but could not overcome Houston’s third-quarter burst and fourth-quarter composure.

Sources

ESPN