Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Washington WizardsOpen full analysis
The Houston Rockets defeated the Washington Wizards 123–118 on March 2 at Capital One Arena, with Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant combining for 62 points to secure the road victory. Sengun led all scorers with 32 points while Durant added 30, powering Houston's offensive efficiency of 119.0 despite shooting just 48.9 percent from the field and making only 9 three-pointers. The Rockets dominated the glass with 59 rebounds and controlled the second and third quarters, outscoring Washington 34–21 and 34–29 in those periods to build a decisive cushion. Washington's B. Coulibaly (23 points) and S. Cooper (21 points) led a Wizards offense that shot 48.4 percent and made 19 threes, but Houston's defensive rating of 115.5 held them in check. The game finished below the Vegas total of 224.5 at 241 combined points, though Houston's 20 turnovers nearly derailed their efficiency advantage. The Rockets' road win extends their winning form and strengthens their playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
