Despite turnover troubles and shaky free throw shooting, a pivotal third-quarter surge propelled the Rockets past the Hawks for a much needed win.
We saw equal opportunity offense on display for both teams tonight. All ten starters were able to get on the scoreboard after Onyeka Okongwu drained a three to tie it at 24 apiece. An 11-3 run to close the quarter helped Houston finish with a 27-35 advantage.
Aaron Holiday’s three point shooting helped break the game open, draining 2/3 deep balls in his first three minutes of play.
Things looked shaky midway through the second quarter as Alpi seemed to tweak his lower back, and Atlanta pulled within five points. Şengün then went on to miss three out of four free throws in consecutive possessions.
The Rockets were able to right their wrongs with KD and Şengün combining for a 10-0 run. After being in the bonus for more than half of the quarter, making only 11/17 free throws made the 54-62 lead a bit underwhelming.
With each team having eight turnover and making seven three pointers, it looked like an equal game that could go either way.
Houston’s 19-4 run midway through the third really blew things open though. If I’m being honest, Atlanta was just missing some very solid opportunities throughout that run. But you still have to give credit to the Rockets for getting out in transition and getting easy buckets.
Once the lead extended past 15, Houston’s three ball started to drop, pushing their lead to 24 at 64-88 with 3:37 left in the third quarter. After scoring 101 points through 36 minutes, the Rockets unofficially ended Atlanta's 11 game win streak. Final score 95-117 with KD's 25 leading Houston in scoring.