Kevin Durant poured in 31 points and the Houston Rockets pulled away after halftime to beat the injury-depleted Atlanta Hawks 104-86 on Thursday night, snapping Atlanta’s four-game winning streak.
Houston led by just one at the break before taking control in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 61-44 over the final two quarters. Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 14 points and Reed Sheppard added 13, highlighted by a third-quarter 3-pointer that pushed the Rockets’ lead to 90-70 — their first 20-point cushion of the night.
Atlanta was without several key contributors, including starters Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson. Okongwu suffered a dental fracture after being elbowed in the mouth during Wednesday’s win at Boston and underwent a successful procedure earlier Thursday, while Johnson was sidelined with left calf tightness. The Hawks were also missing Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendinitis) and Zaccharie Risacher (left knee bone contusion).
CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 23 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 20 and Corey Kispert added 17. Christian Koloko made his first start for the Hawks after signing earlier this month.
Alperen Sengun chipped in nine points and 13 rebounds for Houston despite being listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Clint Capela scored 10 points in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded to the Rockets last July and received a video tribute during a first-quarter timeout.
The Rockets outscored Atlanta 35-24 in the third quarter and continued to extend the margin in the fourth to cruise to the win.
Up next:
Rockets: Host Dallas on Saturday night.
Hawks: Visit Indiana on Saturday night.
