Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City ThunderOpen full analysis
The Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 112–106 on February 7 at Paycom Center, with T. Eason leading Houston's offense with 26 points and J. Smith Jr. adding 22 in a road victory that stayed below the Vegas total of 213.5. Houston's third-quarter surge proved decisive, outscoring Oklahoma City 34–22 in that frame to build separation that the Thunder could not fully overcome despite a strong fourth-quarter push of 32 points. The Rockets shot 45.8 percent from the field and made 15 three-pointers, while holding Oklahoma City to 45.1 percent shooting and 14 threes; Houston also forced 12 steals and limited turnovers to 14 compared to OKC's 16. C. Wallace led the Thunder with 23 points and I. Joe contributed 21, but Oklahoma City's defensive rating of 112.8 proved insufficient to contain Houston's balanced attack, which generated 25 assists and maintained a 112.8 offensive rating. The victory extends Houston's road competitiveness and reinforces its defensive identity heading into the stretch run.
