Houston Rockets 119, Oklahoma City Thunder 98 — October 31, 2026
The Houston Rockets responded to their first loss of the season with a convincing 119–98 victory over a short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder squad on Halloween night.
Houston improved to 6–1 behind an outstanding shooting performance from Jabari Smith Jr. and Marcus Smart, while Oklahoma City dropped to 4–2.
Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and 6-of-12 from three-point range. Smart added 24 points, connecting on seven of his 10 three-point attempts.
Alperen Şengün nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 26 points, but the Thunder were missing several important rotation players, including Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace.
First Quarter — Houston Establishes Control
Oklahoma City opened the scoring through an Isaiah Hartenstein alley-oop, and Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Thunder establish an early 4–0 advantage.
Houston quickly responded.
Smart knocked down an early three-pointer, Kevin Durant contributed from midrange, and the Rockets began finding their offensive rhythm.
Smart’s perimeter shooting helped Houston build separation. His three-pointer that brought him to 12 points extended the Rockets’ advantage to 24–14.
Smith Jr. also connected from deep as Houston continued applying pressure.
The Rockets closed the opening quarter ahead 35–26, establishing an early advantage that Oklahoma City would struggle to overcome.
Second Quarter — Rockets Extend Their Advantage
Houston maintained its offensive momentum throughout the second quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City 27–25.
The Thunder continued competing despite their depleted rotation, but they struggled to match Houston’s perimeter production.
Gilgeous-Alexander remained Oklahoma City’s primary offensive option, while the Rockets benefited from contributions throughout their starting lineup.
Houston entered halftime leading 62–51, firmly in control of the contest.
Third Quarter — Houston Takes Command
Oklahoma City needed a strong third quarter to get back into the game, but Houston had other plans.
The Rockets outscored the Thunder 30–24, extending their advantage to 92–75 entering the final period.
Houston’s three-point shooting continued to separate the teams, with Smith Jr. and Smart delivering exceptional performances from beyond the arc.
Şengün also provided an important playmaking presence, helping Houston move the basketball and create scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City continued relying heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander, with limited offensive support from its injury-depleted rotation.
By the end of the quarter, Houston had established a commanding 17-point lead.
Fourth Quarter — Rockets Finish the Job
Houston entered the fourth quarter comfortably ahead and never allowed Oklahoma City to mount a meaningful comeback.
The Rockets outscored the Thunder 27–23 in the final period, completing a dominant 119–98 victory.
Houston finished the evening shooting 18-of-41 from three-point range, an impressive 43.9%.
The Rockets also controlled the glass, outrebounding Oklahoma City 55–47, and recorded 29 assists compared with the Thunder’s 20.
Houston’s largest lead reached 27 points, reflecting how thoroughly the Rockets controlled the contest after Oklahoma City’s early advantage.
EST Takeaways
Houston responds emphatically. Following Friday’s defeat against Dallas, the Rockets delivered an excellent bounce-back performance. At 6–1, Houston continues to establish itself as one of the NBA’s strongest early-season teams.
Jabari Smith Jr. and Marcus Smart were outstanding. Smith Jr. finished with 30 points and six three-pointers, while Smart contributed 24 points and seven threes. Together, they accounted for 13 of Houston’s 18 made three-pointers.
Oklahoma City’s injuries are taking their toll. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points, but the Thunder lacked sufficient offensive support. Missing several key rotation players against a talented Houston team proved costly.
Houston’s ball movement made a difference. The Rockets recorded 29 assists while committing just 10 turnovers. Şengün’s nine assists highlighted the team’s willingness to share the basketball.
The three-point disparity decided the contest. Houston connected on 18 three-pointers compared with Oklahoma City’s 10. That 24-point difference from beyond the arc was a major factor in the Rockets’ 21-point victory.
Final Score
Houston Rockets 119 — Oklahoma City Thunder 98
Houston improves to 6–1, while Oklahoma City falls to 4–2.
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