Rockets Edge Cavaliers in High-Scoring Showdown
Last night at Rocket Arena, the Houston Rockets hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup that delivered plenty of excitement, though ultimately ended in a 114-104 victory for Houston. The game was anticipated as a showdown between Kevin Durant’s Rockets and Donovan Mitchell’s Cavaliers, and it certainly lived up to expectations, featuring a rollercoaster of momentum swings, clutch performances, and some high-energy moments.
The first quarter was rough for Cleveland, as the Cavaliers struggled to find any rhythm from beyond the arc. Shooting just 25 percent from three and 33 percent overall, they fell behind early, trailing 33-19 after the opening 12 minutes. Donovan Mitchell started cold, missing his first several shots, while Kevin Durant had a quiet start despite Houston’s strong quarter. De’Andre Hunter led the Cavs early with eight points, nearly half of Cleveland’s production in the first frame.
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By halftime, the Rockets had extended their lead to 57-40. Alperen Sengun was starting to shine for Houston, tallying 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Durant added 13 points. Cleveland’s shooting woes continued, hitting just four of their 20 three-point attempts, which allowed the Rockets to dominate the half and build a comfortable cushion.
Cleveland began their comeback in the third quarter, trimming a 22-point deficit to seven points late in the frame. Energy on the court was lifted by Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr., who made crucial contributions, and a late defensive stop by Jarrett Allen even forced Durant into an out-of-bounds play. Donovan Mitchell took a breather, but the Cavs managed to chip away at the lead, entering the fourth quarter trailing 74-70.
The fourth quarter saw Mitchell on fire, scoring 17 points almost single-handedly to keep the Cavs within striking distance. However, the Rockets answered with a hot shooting performance, hitting 11 of 16 from the field in the final period. Alperen Sengun continued his stellar night with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Aaron Holiday added 14 points in the closing minutes. Free-throw struggles also hurt Cleveland, as they connected on only 18 of 30 attempts, finishing at 60 percent.
Despite a flurry of late threes from Mitchell and Dean Wade, the Rockets maintained control and secured the 114-104 win. Houston has now won 10 of their last 11 games, with the chemistry between Durant, Sengun, and Amen Thompson proving to be a driving force. For Cleveland, the performance highlighted their resilience and potential but also underscored the areas they need to improve, especially outside shooting and free-throw efficiency.
Overall, the game was a showcase of high-level talent, strategic adjustments, and exciting individual efforts. Fans were treated to a back-and-forth contest that ultimately showcased why both the Rockets and Cavaliers are teams to watch this season.
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