The Houston Rockets (37-35) won their 10th straight game on the back of Jalen Green (37 points), who took over late as Houston rallied to a massive road win, 132-126 (box score), in Oklahoma City. The Thunder (50-22) led by eight in Wednesday’s fourth quarter and by five with under 90 seconds to play, but Houston fought back each time, and the Rockets now have their longest winning streak since the 2017-18 season.
In overtime, Green put the game away with two tough buckets (including an epic 3-pointer) in the final 1:05, and he had three assists that netted eight Houston points. In all, Green finished with 37 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals while making 14-of-24 shots (58.3%) and 7-of-11 from 3-point range (63.6%).
He also had plenty of help from teammates, including:
- Amen Thompson: 25 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists; 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%), 5-of-6 free throws (83.3%)
- Dillon Brooks: 20 points, 4 assists, 2 blocks; 8-of-18 shooting (44.4%), 3-of-11 on 3-pointers (27.3%), with two treys in OT
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 6-of-8 on free throws (75%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%), with both coming late in the fourth quarter and OT
- Fred VanVleet: 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 turnover; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%)
Houston remains one back of Golden State (38-34) for the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference standings and a potential postseason berth (starting with the play-in tournament). The Warriors own the tiebreaker, but the Rockets have a head-to-head matchup left (April 4, in Houston) to make up more ground.
Jalen Williams had 23 points and 10 assists for the Thunder, and he drilled a 3-pointer with 4.7 seconds left in regulation to extend the game. Josh Giddey scored 31 points on 12-of-20 shooting (60.0%).
Both teams were short-handed. The Thunder were missing All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right quad contusion). The Rockets were without Alperen Sengun (right ankle sprain), Tari Eason (left tibia surgery) and Cam Whitmore (right knee sprain).
Here’s our look back at Wednesday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is what appears to be a more manageable game Friday at Utah (29-43), where tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Central.
March 27 Rockets-Thunder reaction
Jalen Green with another absurd performance tonight for the Rockets:
37 points
9 rebounds
6 assists
14/24 FGGreen has been one of the NBA’s best players for a few straight weeks now. Playing out of his mind. This clutch 3 was crazy: pic.twitter.com/oU32pnoYD6
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) March 28, 2024
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta congratulates Head Coach Ime Udoka after the win against the Thunder.
Tilman shook the hand of every assistant coach as well.
10 wins in a row for the @HoustonRockets 🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/AT8sGnrRNW
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) March 28, 2024
#Rockets beat OKC 132-126 in OT
THAT’S 10-STRAIGHT WINS & 12 IN THIER LAST 13@SportsVanessa with Jabari Smith Jr after the @HoustonRockets WIN pic.twitter.com/3cnqTkzDKV
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) March 28, 2024
Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets on his IG story:
“WARRIORS COME OUT TO PLAAAYYY!!”😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/MP02KxQNJw
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) March 28, 2024
The Rockets stay the hottest team in the world.
10-game win streak
12-1 in March1 game out of the play-in tournament.
🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/bDwLykvxZU
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) March 28, 2024
We literally watched Jalen in game adjust on this trapping off the screen by not going immediately, letting the screener relocate, dragging the trapper away, so that he can go one on one. Great adjustment and overall patience https://t.co/K7nQXQEImB
— Dr. Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks) March 28, 2024
Ime Udoka said the coaches' favorite play of the game was when Jalen Green found Jabari Smith Jr, who was struggling, in the final seconds of regulation for the corner three.
"Great pass. Great growth. I'm proud of them for that play."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 28, 2024
I always go back to this Rafael Stone quote about Jalen Green from after the trade deadline: “He has a skill set that isn’t replicated on our roster.”
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) March 28, 2024
These last three weeks honestly feel like the first few games of October/November 2012 after the Harden trade. Just giddy.
And in this case, it's coming amid the pressure of a legit postseason push, too
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green just had the BEST game of his career.
37 PTS | 9 REB | 6 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK
14/24 FG
7/11 3PT
2/2 FT10 WINS IN A ROW
PLAYER OF THE MONTH pic.twitter.com/UcLrsRtH1M— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 28, 2024
I'm stunned. That was a superstar-level takeover, on the road, to extend the winning streak to 10.
I'm officially bought in. He's real and spectacular.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) March 28, 2024
Do you believe yet???
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) March 28, 2024
Back to back possessions in overtime for Jalen Green to put the Thunder to sleep on the road.
This is the type of scorer scouts had envisioned coming out of the G-League. pic.twitter.com/K4qyvXI5vA
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) March 28, 2024
Narrator: "It was." https://t.co/8si3IZsW11
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) March 28, 2024
And people called me crazy for asking for more patience with Jalen Green.
Besides the finishing, his decision making has been off the charts. The kickout passes last second when the defense stunts or commits to him near the paint have been special.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green has had had at least 7-8 "WOW, HOLY SHIT" moments since this tweet. #Rockets https://t.co/tOFuWeAMZw
— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green has had had at least 7-8 "WOW, HOLY SHIT" moments since this tweet. #Rockets https://t.co/tOFuWeAMZw
— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) March 28, 2024
Just a game of growth all the way around for the Rockets.
From individual play to late game execution to getting a win on the road— all things that have improved over the past month.
Ten straight and counting.
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) March 28, 2024
WHAT A WIN!!!!!
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) March 28, 2024
Rockets win a game they had to have. They will need to make up 2 games on the Warriors in the standings with 10 to play. Warriors visit Toyota Center in 8 days
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) March 28, 2024
Unbelievable https://t.co/dez6luIJ6n
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) March 28, 2024
Great shot from Bari but uhhhh Jalen drawing 3 defenders because he’s unstoppable lately… https://t.co/EmPU6hMj1W
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) March 28, 2024
This was the most “grown ass man” performance I’ve ever seen from Jalen Green. He carried the #Rockets by making difficult shots, initiating offense and creating for others, drawing double teams and imposing his will on a playoff-style defense. And he was consistently CLUTCH down…
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green is playing like a true superstar two guard right now.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 28, 2024
ANOTHER THREE FOR DILLON BROOKS 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/9bAtyvy2rm
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) March 28, 2024
JABAARIIIII SMITHHHH 🔥🔥
— Alperen (@alperennsengun) March 28, 2024
JABARI SMITH JR BIGGEST SHOT OF THE #ROCKETS SEASON pic.twitter.com/8tomjEpO6R
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green’s athleticism is unreal.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 28, 2024
I don’t care what ANYONE says.
Ime Udoka is the coach of the year.
He took the #Rockets from 17, 20, and 22 wins to 37 wins and counting with 10 games remaining in one season.
Run that man his respect. pic.twitter.com/1vDg2EXAC0
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 28, 2024
Rockets have a real shot at this thing with this Jalen Green leap. Obviously got a touch lucky tonight with OKC sitting Shai, but that was one of the games they had to bank. Still three Jazz/Blazers games that would get them to 40 wins now if they sweep those.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 28, 2024
Even crazier, man this is essentially a playoff game. Playoff atmosphere. A must win game. No one else has anything going consistently.
And Jalen Green is absolutely carrying the #Rockets on offense AND defense.
This is the making of a superstar I’m so serious.
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) March 28, 2024
Rockets win 132-126 because Jalen Green had the spirit of Kobe in him. Holy shir.
He put up 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists on 14/24 shooting. 25/15 for Amen. 8 Massive points for Dillon Brooks in a row.
10 IN A ROW!!
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green tonight:
37 PTS
9 REB
6 AST
7 3PThe youngest player since Jason Kidd to reach those numbers in a game. https://t.co/Go351XGDb5
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 28, 2024
Amen Thompson is better than I ever imagined when I first heard about the Thompson Twins playing in OTE. This kid is a menace across the board on both ends of the floor and is a flat-out competitor. Winning basketball player. Lucky to have him in Houston.
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) March 28, 2024
I don’t care what narrative this app is trying to push.
We’re going to be such a dangerous team when BOTH of these guys are playing at the same time. pic.twitter.com/2EOmf2Xahn
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) March 28, 2024
Smile if we on they ass🤘🏾🔥 pic.twitter.com/6YVYzfpCoQ
— Tari Eason (@TAR13ASON) March 28, 2024
Jalen Green said the #Rockets would win 10 in a row and went out and almost single handedly delivered it. 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/vUx5cZfZ7z
— V̷a̷t̷o̷r̷ (@VatorSports) March 28, 2024
#Rockets beat the Thunder 132-126 in OT
Dillon Brooks
🚀20 PTS🚀4 REB🚀4 AST🚀2 BLK🚀@HoustonRockets with 10-straight wins pic.twitter.com/mXdErNSB9B— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) March 28, 2024
#Rockets beat OKC 132-126 in OT
Jalen Green 🏀37 PTS🏀10 REB🏀7 AST🏀@HoustonRockets have won 10-straight games and are 1 game back of the play-in pic.twitter.com/QtUPIXNceg
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) March 28, 2024
