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Rockets Edge Hawks 121-114 in Atlanta Home Opener

Kevin Durant scored 22 points as the Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 on Saturday. Reed Sheppard hit five three-pointers, and Jalen Johnson recorded a double-double for the host.

Zane Pennington· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

October 25, 20262 min read

NBAFinal
Houston Rockets121
Atlanta Hawks114

October 24, 2026

Rockets Take Down Hawks in Home Opener

The Houston Rockets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-114 on Saturday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The victory marked the Hawks' home opener, with 17,942 fans attending the game. Houston improved its record to 3-0, while Atlanta dropped to 2-1 on the season.

The contest featured a strong offensive performance from both sides, but the visitors maintained a lead for the majority of the game before securing the win in the final minutes.

Durant and Sheppard Lead Offense

Kevin Durant was the scoring leader for Houston, finishing with 22 points. He provided a steady presence in the paint and from beyond the arc, contributing key baskets throughout the contest. Reed Sheppard was equally impactful, hitting five three-pointers to stretch the defense.

Sheppard also recorded seven assists, facilitating the team's flow. For the Hawks, Jalen Johnson was the standout performer, posting a double-double with 26 points, 16 assists, and nine rebounds. His all-around game kept Atlanta competitive, but it was not enough to overcome the Rockets' balanced attack.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The Rockets established an early lead, finishing the first quarter up 30-26. They extended their advantage in the second quarter, leading 59-46 at halftime. Atlanta fought back in the third quarter, tying the game at 71-71 before Houston pulled ahead again.

The fourth quarter was tightly contested, with the Hawks closing the gap to within two points late in the game. However, the Rockets held their nerve to win by seven points. The final score was Houston 121, Atlanta 114.

Post-Game Records

With the win, the Rockets move to 3-0 on the season. The Hawks fall to 2-1 after the loss. The game was played at State Farm Arena, with an attendance of 17,942. The Rockets' victory demonstrates their strong start to the season, while the Hawks must regroup after dropping their home opener. Both teams will look to build on their performances in upcoming matchups.

Sources

ESPN

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Zane Pennington· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Zane Pennington covers Aubrey high school and area college sports.

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