Fred VanVleet delivered a season-high 38 points and clutch free throws down the stretch to lead the Houston Rockets to a 119-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.
VanVleet’s performance, combined with Dillon Brooks’ late-game heroics, secured Houston’s third straight win and their fifth in the last six games.
With the game deadlocked at 113, Brooks sank a crucial jumper in the lane just before the shot clock expired, giving the Rockets a 115-113 edge with 33.1 seconds left. The Thunder had an opportunity to respond, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s attempt missed, and Brooks grabbed the rebound. VanVleet then stepped to the line, knocking down two free throws to push Houston’s lead to 117-113 with 4.6 seconds remaining.
The Thunder weren’t done yet. Jalen Williams drained a three-pointer with 2.4 seconds left to cut the deficit to one, but VanVleet iced the game with two more free throws, sealing the Rockets’ hard-fought victory. This win avenged Houston’s 126-107 loss to Oklahoma City on November 8 and snapped the Thunder’s four-game winning streak.
VanVleet was unstoppable throughout, shooting efficiently from all areas of the floor and showing poise under pressure. His ability to lead the offense and convert in crucial moments was pivotal in Houston’s win, showcasing why he’s a key offseason acquisition.
Gilgeous-Alexander continued his scoring tear for Oklahoma City, finishing with 32 points in his fourth consecutive 30-point game. His ability to get to the rim and create shots kept the Thunder competitive, but even his brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s late surge.
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Dillon Brooks’ impact extended beyond his 16 points. His game-winning jumper and his defensive presence, particularly in the final minutes, proved critical. Brooks also played a key role in a decisive jump ball win against Gilgeous-Alexander that set up his clutch shot.
Alperen Şengün added 20 points for the Rockets, continuing his strong interior presence, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 15 points, giving Houston balanced scoring from their starters. The team’s ability to spread the floor and capitalize on free throws was a significant factor, as they shot 30 of 39 from the line compared to Oklahoma City’s 19 of 25.
Isaiah Hartenstein provided a bright spot for the Thunder with 19 points and 13 rebounds, continuing his impressive return from a fractured hand. In just five games this season, Hartenstein has recorded five double-doubles, proving his value as a versatile frontcourt presence.
The pivotal moment came when Brooks’ jumper broke the tie, but Houston’s composure at the free-throw line was equally critical. The Rockets’ ability to convert from the stripe, where they outshot the Thunder by 11 makes, gave them a crucial edge in a game where both teams combined for 64 free throws.
This victory highlights Houston’s emerging confidence as they move above .500 and continue to build momentum in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Thunder will need to regroup after their first loss in five games but remain a strong contender with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.
Up next, the Rockets begin a three-game road trip with a visit to Sacramento on Tuesday night, while the Thunder return home to host the Utah Jazz the same evening. Both teams will look to build on their recent performances as they navigate a competitive stretch of the season.
This game not only showcased the growing chemistry in Houston but also demonstrated that the Rockets can close out tight contests, a promising sign for their playoff aspirations.
