Jalen Green delivered a masterclass performance, dropping a season-high 41 points to lead the Houston Rockets past the Philadelphia 76ers, 122-115, in an overtime thriller.
The Rockets leaned on their young star to secure the win, while Philadelphia fell short despite Tyrese Maxey’s heroics.
Green started hot, scoring 18 of his 41 points in the first quarter on a blistering 6-of-8 shooting performance. While his offensive output set the tone early, it was Alperen Sengun who stepped up in crunch time. Sengun dominated the paint against an undersized Sixers lineup, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds, including three pivotal layups in overtime that sealed Houston’s victory.
Maxey’s Second-Half Surge Not Enough for Philadelphia
Tyrese Maxey was electric, scoring 39 points, with 28 of those coming after halftime. His late-game composure tied the score in regulation after he sank three clutch free throws with just over 11 seconds remaining. However, Maxey struggled to find his rhythm in overtime, where he was held scoreless as Houston pulled away.
Philadelphia, missing key contributors, relied heavily on Maxey and Guerschon Yabusele, who chipped in 22 points. Despite their efforts, the Sixers’ struggles continued, dropping them to 3-14 on the season with just one regulation win through 17 games.
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Amen Thompson Shines in Complementary Role
Rookie Amen Thompson showcased his versatility, tallying 19 points and 13 rebounds while providing critical support on both ends of the court. Thompson’s energy and rebounding were instrumental in maintaining Houston’s edge during pivotal stretches of the game. Tari Eason added 14 points off the bench, giving the Rockets a well-rounded offensive attack.
Takeaways from the Game
Rockets: Houston’s dominance on the boards continues to be a major advantage. The Rockets, who entered the game leading the league in rebounding at 49.9 per game, outworked the Sixers on the glass 52-42. Sengun’s interior presence and Thompson’s hustle were key factors in maintaining control down low.
76ers: With Paul George and Joel Embiid sidelined, Philadelphia continues to search for consistent scoring options beyond Maxey. Yabusele delivered a strong performance, but Jared McCain’s inefficiency (15 points on 6-of-19 shooting) left the Sixers lacking firepower when it mattered most.
Key Moment: Rockets Take Control in OT
Philadelphia struck first in overtime with a corner 3 from Yabusele, taking a three-point lead. But Houston responded with a 9-0 run, fueled by Green’s free throws and Sengun’s dominance in the paint. Sengun’s three consecutive layups during the run put the game out of reach, highlighting his ability to exploit mismatches against the Sixers’ smaller lineup.
Key Stat: Philadelphia’s Struggles in Regulation
Through 17 games this season, the Sixers have secured just one win in regulation, underscoring their difficulties in closing out games. Even Maxey’s late-game brilliance couldn’t prevent another disappointing result.
What’s Next?
The Rockets will look to keep their momentum going as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Meanwhile, the 76ers travel to Detroit on Saturday, hoping to snap their slide and find answers with their depleted lineup.
Houston’s win showcased the potential of their young core, with Green, Sengun, and Thompson all playing pivotal roles. As the Rockets improve to 14-6, they’re proving to be a force in the West. For the Sixers, the search for consistency continues as injuries and inefficiency plague their season.