Rockets Edge Out Timberwolves 121-115
Image credits: Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
The Houston Rockets faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Toyota Center in Houston, coming out on top with a 121-115 win. Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring with 35 points, while Alperen Sengun scored 24 points. The Rockets came out strong, scoring 48 points in the first quarter alone, tying the franchise’s record for points in a quarter. This was also their highest-scoring quarter of the season and the fifth 48-point quarter in franchise history.
Houston was extremely efficient from beyond the arc, finishing with a 13-of-26 (50%) mark from three as a team. On the contrary, Minnesota shot just 11-of-39 (28.2%) from long range. The Rockets were without starting point guard Fred VanVleet, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury he suffered in the Rockets’ loss to the Nets on Feb. 1. Minnesota was significantly more hampered, as starters Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert were both sidelined, and Donte DiVincenzo—a key contributor off the bench—was also out.
The Rockets welcomed Jabari Smith Jr. back into the lineup after he missed 22 games with a hand fracture he suffered during a practice on Jan. 3. In his return, Smith finished with 15 points and nine rebounds. The win lifts Houston to a 35-21 record on the season, good for fourth place in the Western Conference. The Rockets’ next game is against the Utah Jazz, with tip off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The NBA season is heating up, and the Rockets are looking to make a push for the playoffs. With their offense clicking, they are a force to be reckoned with. The defense will be key in their upcoming games, as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout. The Rockets' first quarter performance was a highlight, with Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green leading the charge. The Timberwolves fought hard, but ultimately came up short. The final scores were:
- Rockets: 121
- Timberwolves: 115
The Minnesota Timberwolves were dealing with several injuries, including Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley, and Rudy Gobert, who were all listed as questionable for the game. The team was already short-handed, with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo out with injuries. Despite this, the Timberwolves put up a good fight, with Anthony Edwards scoring 37 points. However, it was not enough to overcome the Rockets' strong performance.
timberwolv rocket houston point minnesota team 115 alperen sengun 121
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