HOUSTON – Trae Young’s stellar performance with 30 points and 14 assists propelled the Atlanta Hawks to a 134-127 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, halting Houston’s impressive 11-game home winning streak.
Young’s achievement marked his fifth consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 assists, the longest streak of his career. This feat places him alongside notable names like Russell Westbrook (March 2017) and Michael Jordan (April 1989), who previously achieved similar streaks.
The game was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, with Houston mounting a significant late charge. The Rockets used a 14-0 run to trim Atlanta’s lead to 127-123 with about 90 seconds remaining. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were pivotal during this stretch, with Brooks capping the run with a crucial 3-pointer.
However, Young responded with a timely jump shot, marking Atlanta’s first points in nearly five minutes. Despite a subsequent turnover by Young, the Hawks managed to maintain their lead. Saddiq Bey’s 3-pointer with 35 seconds left was a critical moment, extending Atlanta’s lead to 132-125.
“That was the biggest shot of the game,” said Atlanta coach Quin Snyder, highlighting the importance of Bey’s basket in securing the victory.
The Hawks had led by as many as 20 points early in the game, bolstered by eight 3-pointers in the first quarter. Although their shooting cooled down later, they finished with 17 of 40 from long-range.
Snyder reflected on the game as a sign of growth for his team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus throughout the game, regardless of the situation.
Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with a career-high 34 points and 13 rebounds, while VanVleet added a season-high 32 points and 15 assists. Despite their efforts, Houston faced its third consecutive loss. VanVleet acknowledged the challenge of playing from behind against a team like Atlanta.
Atlanta extended their lead with a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, partly fueled by free throws from Onyeka Okongwu following a flagrant-1 foul by Brooks. The Hawks then further solidified their lead with a 7-0 run, making it 114-103 with about eight minutes remaining.
As the game neared its conclusion, both teams exchanged 3-pointers, with Young notably responding to Houston’s attempts to close the gap.
UP NEXT
The Hawks will look to carry their momentum into their next game against Miami on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Rockets will aim to rebound from this loss as they host the Dallas Mavericks, also on Friday night. This match was a testament to the Hawks’ resilience and Young’s exceptional ability to lead his team under pressure, showcasing their depth and offensive capabilities.
