Franz Wagner put in a strong all-round performance, but the Orlando Magic couldn’t find a way to stop the in-form Houston Rockets. A strong third quarter decided the game, in which Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun in particular excelled.
The Houston Rockets continue their impressive winning streak. Led by Jalen Green (26 points) and Alperen Sengun (22 points, 12 rebounds), the visitors controlled the game for long spells and presented Orlando with major challenges. Particularly in the second half, the Rockets consistently exploited their strength from outside and at the free throw line.
Franz Wagner put in a strong performance for the Magic with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Paolo Banchero was once again Orlando’s top scorer with 31 points. But despite their individual highlights, the Rockets’ control could not be broken.
A 12-0 run in the third quarter, started and finished with threes from Green and Fred VanVleet (19 points), put Houston on the road to victory. Orlando was unable to reduce the deficit significantly.
With their eighth win in a row, the Rockets consolidated their position among the top teams in the West, while the Magic, after another home defeat (six in a row), continue to fight for a playoff spot.
