Rockets Hold Off Short-Handed Cavaliers 114-104 in Cleveland
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CONTENT:
The Houston Rockets used a strong start and timely fourth-quarter baskets to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-104 on Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Key facts
Score: Rockets 114, Cavaliers 104
Records: Houston 10-3; Cleveland 10-6
How it happened
Houston opened the game with a 22-point first-half advantage, taking control through physical play and relentless rebounding. Cleveland trimmed the deficit to one in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets answered with mid-range jumpers from Kevin Durant, inside work by Alperen Sengun and a hot stretch from reserve guard Aaron Holiday to close out the win.
Top performers
Rockets: Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 28 points and added 11 rebounds. Kevin Durant finished with 20 points, while Aaron Holiday contributed 18 off the bench.
Cavaliers: DeAndre Hunter paced Cleveland with 25 points. Donovan Mitchell, limited to 1-for-7 shooting in the first half under frequent double-teams, rallied late to end with 21. Evan Mobley supplied 18 points but went 4-for-10 at the foul line. Two-way forward NaeQwan Tomlin added 10 points and a highlight-reel dunk, and Dean Wade collected seven rebounds while spending time on both Durant and Sengun.
Missing pieces
The Cavaliers played without four rotation members: Darius Garland (toe), Jaylon Tyson (concussion), Max Strus (foot) and late scratch Sam Merrill (hand).
By the numbers
Houston dominated the glass 51-39, a margin that helped the visitors withstand Cleveland’s second-half surge.
What’s next
Cleveland stays home to face the Indiana Pacers in two days. Indiana, now 2-13 after earning its second win Wednesday, will be looking for consecutive victories for the first time this season.
Source: Hoops Wire
