HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets used a dominant first quarter to build a substantial lead and then locked down defensively in the second, taking a commanding 47-33 advantage over the Philadelphia 76ers into halftime on Friday night.
The Rockets came out firing on all cylinders, controlling the opening period behind an explosive 35-point quarter. Their ball movement and inside presence established an early tone, leading by as many as 11 before finishing the first with a 35-26 advantage. The offensive momentum, however, came to a screeching halt in the second quarter. Both teams struggled immensely to score, but it was Houston’s stifling defense that truly stood out. They held the Sixers to a paltry seven points in the period, winning the quarter 12-7 and extending their lead.
Houston’s scoring was a balanced effort, led by Tari Eason’s 9 points. Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. each added 8 points, with Sengun pulling down a team-high 5 rebounds. For the struggling 76ers, Kelly Oubre Jr. was the lone bright spot, scoring 12 of his team’s 33 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe provided a spark off the bench with 6 points.
The Sixers will need a major offensive adjustment to mount a comeback, while the Rockets will look to rediscover their first-quarter rhythm to close out the game.
