Kevin Durant scored 31 points as the Houston Rockets ended Atlanta’s four-game winning streak with a 104-86 victory at State Farm Arena on Thursday, January 30.
The Rockets trailed by a single point at halftime, 43-42, before dominating the second half behind a balanced attack that included 14 points from Jabari Smith and 13 from Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard’s three-pointer gave Houston a 20-point cushion at 90-70, effectively sealing the outcome against a depleted Atlanta squad.
The Hawks were missing multiple frontcourt starters, including Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, and Zaccharie Risacher, forcing Christian Koloko into a starting role for only the fifth time.
Houston outscored Atlanta 35-24 in the third quarter and steadily expanded the lead in the final period, with Durant and Sheppard fueling the offense.
Clint Capela scored 10 points in his first return to Atlanta since his July 2025 trade, receiving a warm ovation after a video tribute during the first quarter.
CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 23 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20 and Corey Kispert added 17, but Atlanta could not overcome the absence of key players.
Alperen Sengun finished with nine points and 13 rebounds for Houston despite being listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain, helping the team control the boards.
Rockets guard Amen Thompson added nine points and seven assists, supporting Durant in maintaining Houston’s tempo and spacing throughout the second half.
The win improves Houston to 29-17, strengthening its position in the Western Conference standings, while Atlanta falls to 24-26 and will look to regroup in their upcoming matchup against Indiana.
Houston hosts the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, while the Hawks visit the Pacers on the same day.
