Rockets Edge Hawks 121-114 in Atlanta Home Opener

Turning Point in the Fourth

The Houston Rockets secured a 121-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at State Farm Arena. The decisive shift occurred in the fourth quarter, where Houston outscored Atlanta 29-33 to close the game. Although the Hawks matched the Rockets with 33 points in the final period, Houston’s earlier lead proved sufficient.

The visiting team held a 92-79 lead entering the fourth quarter and managed the remaining minutes to preserve the win. Attendance at the venue was 17,942.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The Rockets established an early advantage, leading 30-26 after the first quarter. They extended their cushion to 59-46 by the end of the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 29-22 in that frame. The third quarter saw a balanced offensive display, with both teams scoring 33 points, leaving the game at 92-79 in favor of Houston.

In the fourth quarter, the Hawks attempted a comeback by scoring 33 points, but the Rockets responded with 29 points to seal the result. The final score was 121 for Houston and 114 for Atlanta.

Player Performances

Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 22 points. Reed Sheppard contributed significantly to the playmaking, recording seven assists. Amen Thompson anchored the frontcourt with 11 rebounds.

For the Hawks, Jalen Johnson was the standout performer, totaling 26 points, 16 assists, and 9 rebounds. The Hawks also saw contributions from other roster members, but Johnson’s all-around game was the primary offensive engine for Atlanta. The Rockets’ balanced approach, with multiple players contributing in the double digits, helped them maintain control throughout the contest.

Post-Game Records

With this victory, the Houston Rockets improved their record to 3-0. The Atlanta Hawks fell to 2-1. The game marked the home opener for the Hawks at State Farm Arena.

No playoff implications or series standings were provided in the game data. The Rockets’ perfect start to the season contrasts with the Hawks’ two losses in three games. Both teams will look to build on their respective performances in upcoming matchups.

Sources

ESPN