Jalen Green had a big night with 41 points, while Fred VanVleet hit 10 3-pointers and scored a season-best 34 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 147-119 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. This win marks the Rockets’ eighth consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since November 2019. With this win, Houston is now just 1 ½ games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
The game got heated early on when Jabari Smith Jr. and Kris Dunn were ejected after a scuffle just five seconds into the second quarter. Both players received technical fouls for fighting after exchanging words and pushing each other. Houston coach Ime Udoka believed it continued their altercation in a previous game.
VanVleet had a remarkable night, tying the franchise record for most 3-pointers in a single game. Jalen Green also had an impressive performance, shooting 15 of 22 from the field and making 7 of 11 3-point attempts.
The Rockets dominated the first half, shooting 65% from the field and making 15 of 24 3-pointers.
Jeff Green contributed with a season-high 21 points, and Dillon Brooks added 12 points for the Rockets, who shot 56%. This win brings Houston’s record to 35-35, marking the first time they have been at .500 since January.
On the other hand, the Utah Jazz struggled, despite John Collins scoring a season-high 25 points and Collin Sexton adding 20 points and eight assists. Utah’s five-game losing streak ties their longest of the season. They shot 45% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, making only 11 of 37 3-point attempts.
Utah coach Will Hardy credited Houston for their outstanding performance, especially their 27 made 3-pointers. He acknowledged the hot shooting of Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green, who were instrumental in the Rockets’ victory.
