HOUSTON — The Rockets have regained traction after a brief slide, stringing together three straight victories to move to 20-10. It is the second year in a row Houston has reached that record through 30 games, a benchmark the club had not matched since the 2019-20 campaign.
Five of the next six contests will be on the road, beginning Thursday in Brooklyn. That stretch is expected to offer a clearer read on the Rockets’ standing in the Western Conference.
Veteran forward Kevin Durant continues to anchor the offense, logging four 30-point performances in his last seven outings. Rookie guard Amen Thompson added his sixth game this season with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, underscoring the roster’s growing balance.
Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY — Since returning from a complicated right-wrist injury, Jalen Williams has provided solid numbers but is still searching for peak form. Over his last 13 games the second-year wing is averaging 17.3 points on 45 percent shooting, down from last season’s 21.6 points on 48.4 percent.
Williams remains a two-way factor, contributing five assists, five rebounds and nearly two steals per night. Fewer three-point attempts and a lower conversion rate suggest he is still regaining rhythm. The Thunder expect overall production to rise as his comfort level improves.
Knicks
NEW YORK — The Knicks have crept within a game of Eastern Conference leader Detroit after notching back-to-back road wins. They did so without guard Josh Hart, sidelined by an ankle injury.
Head coach Mike Brown is receiving timely help from his reserves. Rookie guard Tyler Kolek has delivered consistent minutes, while forward Mohamed Diawara scored 18 points in 18 minutes at New Orleans. Guard Kevin McCullar Jr. chipped in 13 points and eight rebounds in Atlanta. Early-season goals included player development, and the bench’s recent impact suggests that objective is being met.
Source: Hoops Wire
