The Houston Rockets secured a 97-84 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night at Toyota Center, with Jabari Smith Jr. leading the way with 20 points, including five three-pointers. Despite a strong performance from Paolo Banchero, who finished with 25 points for Orlando, the Rockets pulled away in the second half to claim the win.
The game began with Houston struggling to find its rhythm offensively, scoring just six points in the first six minutes. The Magic capitalized on the slow start, taking an early 15-6 lead. However, a spark from Jalen Green helped the Rockets regain momentum. Green assisted Alperen Sengun on back-to-back layups before hitting a three-pointer of his own. Sengun then delivered a highlight play, finding Tari Eason with a no-look, behind-the-back bounce pass for a layup that electrified the crowd. The Rockets finished the first quarter on a strong note, taking a 23-19 lead.
In the second quarter, Orlando fought back, knocking down three quick three-pointers to retake the lead at 30-27. Houston responded immediately, with Smith Jr. tying the game with a three-pointer. The teams exchanged baskets, with Dillon Brooks putting on a display of skill, faking out Banchero for a step-back jumper. By halftime, Houston held a 51-46 advantage, with Green leading the team with 12 points.
The Rockets extended their lead in the third quarter, as Eason opened with a steal and a fast-break dunk. Banchero continued to keep Orlando competitive, but Houston’s offense proved too strong. Smith Jr. drained another three-pointer, pushing the lead to 63-51. Late in the quarter, a controversial foul was called on Aaron Holiday after Orlando’s Anthony Black exaggerated contact, drawing boos from the crowd. Despite this, the Rockets maintained control and entered the fourth quarter with a 75-62 lead.
Jeff Green provided a spark early in the fourth, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to extend Houston’s advantage. The Magic attempted to rally with a quick five-point swing, but Smith Jr. responded with a crucial three to halt their momentum. One of the game’s most electrifying moments came when Trevelin Queen intercepted a pass from Jalen Green and went up for a layup, only for Smith Jr. to race down the court and block the shot off the backboard. The Rockets quickly turned the play into a three-pointer on the other end, sealing the outcome.
With a comfortable lead in the final minutes, both teams emptied their benches, and the Rockets coasted to victory. This matchup was the first of two meetings between the Rockets and Magic this season, with their next game set for March 19 in Orlando.
