Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
The Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 114–104 on November 19 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in a game decided by Houston's fourth-quarter dominance and rebounding control. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 28 points, while Kevin Durant added 20 in support; the Cavs countered with De'Aaron Hunter's 25 points and Donovan Mitchell's 21. Houston's fourth quarter proved decisive, outscoring Cleveland 40–34 in the final frame after a sluggish third quarter that saw them manage just 17 points. The Rockets dominated the glass with 51 rebounds to Cleveland's 39 and converted their ball movement into 23 assists while holding a 115.3 offensive rating against the Cavs' 107.1. Houston shot 45.6 percent from the field and made 9 three-pointers, while Cleveland shot 44.4 percent and connected on 12 threes despite the loss. The Rockets' nine steals and defensive intensity in the closing minutes proved crucial; Cleveland's 12 turnovers compounded their fourth-quarter collapse. Houston's late-game execution and rebounding advantage solidified their road victory and improved their standing in the Western Conference race.
