Rockets rout Thunder 119-98 as Smith Jr. drops 30

Rockets dominate in front of home crowd

The Houston Rockets secured a decisive 119-98 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, October 31, at Toyota Center. Jabari Smith Jr. was the standout performer for the home side, tallying 30 points in the win. The game was played before a crowd of 18,055 fans, with the Rockets establishing control early and maintaining their lead throughout the contest.

Early lead and sustained pressure

Houston set the tone in the first quarter, outscoring Oklahoma City 35-26. The Rockets built a significant cushion in the second period, extending their advantage to 62-51 at the half. Smith Jr. contributed significantly to the offensive output, while Alperen Sengun facilitated the attack with nine assists.

The Thunder managed to keep the game within a reasonable margin, but Houston's defensive intensity limited their scoring opportunities.

Third-quarter surge

The Rockets continued their dominance in the third quarter, outpacing the Thunder 30-24. This period saw Houston extend their lead to 92-75 entering the final frame. Sengun’s playmaking was instrumental, as he connected with teammates for multiple buckets.

The Thunder attempted to rally, but the Rockets’ balanced offense kept the visitors at bay. Smith Jr. continued to find his range, adding to his point total with efficient shooting.

Final stretch and records

In the fourth quarter, the Thunder scored 23 points while the Rockets added 27, sealing the 21-point victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, but it was not enough to overcome Houston’s comprehensive performance. Ajay Mitchell provided five assists for Oklahoma City, while Aday Mara recorded nine rebounds. The win improved the Rockets’ record to 6-1, while the Thunder fell to 4-2.

Sources

ESPN