Rockets Edge Hawks 121-114 in Atlanta Home Opener

Rockets Close Out Strong Finish

The Houston Rockets secured a 121-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The win improved Houston’s record to 3-0, while Atlanta fell to 2-1 in its home opener. Attendance at the venue reached 17,942 fans.

Kevin Durant led the way for the visitors with 22 points, providing the offensive spark necessary to overcome a resilient Hawks team that pushed back late in the contest.

Early Lead and Mid-Game Balance

The Rockets established control early, leading 30-26 after the first quarter. They extended their advantage to 49-38 by the end of the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 29-22 in that period. The Hawks responded with a balanced effort in the third quarter, matching Houston point-for-point in a 33-33 frame.

This parity kept the game competitive, as Atlanta stayed within striking distance despite trailing on the scoreboard. The second half saw both teams trading baskets, with the Hawks closing the gap to just two points entering the final period.

Decisive Fourth Quarter Run

The fourth quarter proved decisive, with Houston outscoring Atlanta 29-33 in the final frame. However, the Rockets managed the clock and key possessions effectively. Kevin Durant finished with 22 points, while Reed Sheppard contributed 7 assists to orchestrate the offense.

Amen Thompson added 11 rebounds, providing crucial frontcourt presence. The Hawks’ best effort came from Jalen Johnson, who posted a triple-double with 26 points, 16 assists, and 9 rebounds. Despite Johnson’s all-around performance, the Hawks could not overcome Houston’s efficiency in the final minutes.

The Rockets’ ability to convert on key shots sealed the win, marking their third consecutive victory of the season.

Sources

ESPN