Rockets Edge Hawks 121-114 in Atlanta Home Opener

Houston Secures Road Win

The Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The victory keeps Houston’s early-season momentum intact as they improved their record to 3-0. The loss drops Atlanta to 2-1 on the young season.

First Half Dynamics

Houston established an early advantage, taking a 30-26 lead after the first quarter. The Rockets extended this margin in the second period, outscoring the Hawks 29-22 to take a 59-46 lead into halftime. Kevin Durant led Houston’s offensive efforts with 22 points, including key three-pointers and driving dunks. Amen Thompson contributed significantly on the glass, grabbing 11 rebounds for the visitors.

Third Quarter Battle

The third quarter proved evenly matched, with both teams scoring 33 points each. The Rockets maintained their lead through consistent execution, while Atlanta struggled to close the gap. Alperen Sengun provided offensive support for Houston, and Reed Sheppard facilitated the offense with seven assists. Despite the Hawks' efforts, they could not overcome the deficit built in the first half.

Fourth Quarter Finish

Atlanta mounted a late surge in the fourth quarter, outscoring Houston 33-29 to make the final minutes tense. Jalen Johnson was the standout performer for the Hawks, recording 26 points, 16 assists, and nine rebounds. However, his efforts were not enough to secure the win.

The Rockets held firm down the stretch, with Tari Eason and Kevin Durant making critical plays to preserve the seven-point victory. The final score of 121-114 reflects Houston’s ability to control the game on the road.

Sources

ESPN