Kevin Durant Scores 31 as Rockets Pull Away From Injury Hit Hawks in Atlanta

ATLANTA -- Houston delivered a decisive second half performance Thursday night as Kevin Durant scored 31 points to lead the Rockets to a 104 to 86 road win over the Atlanta Hawks, snapping Atlantas four game winning streak and underscoring the growing impact of injuries on the Hawks rotation.

Houston trailed by just one point at halftime before taking control after the break, outscoring Atlanta 35 to 24 in the third quarter and steadily extending the margin in the fourth. Jabari Smith Jr finished with 14 points, while rookie guard Reed Sheppard added 13 and knocked down a three pointer that pushed the Rockets to their first 20 point advantage at 90 to 70. The Rockets shot efficiently in the second half and limited Atlanta to contested looks as fatigue and shortened rotations became evident.

Atlanta entered the game without multiple front line starters. Center Onyeka Okongwu was held out after suffering a dental fracture when he was elbowed during Wednesdays win at Boston. The Hawks confirmed Okongwu underwent a successful dental procedure Thursday and will also miss Saturdays game at Indiana. Forward Jalen Johnson was ruled out with left calf tightness, further thinning Atlantas front court depth.

The Hawks were already without center Kristaps Porzingis due to left Achilles tendinitis and rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher because of a left knee bone contusion. Two way rookie Asa Newell was recalled from G League College Park earlier in the day, and recently signed center Christian Koloko made his first start in his fifth appearance with Atlanta after joining the team on Jan 17. The patchwork lineup struggled to match Houstons physicality in the paint and on the glass as the game progressed.

CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 23 points, while Nickeil Alexander Walker added 20 and Corey Kispert scored 17. Despite those efforts, the Hawks were unable to sustain offense once Houston tightened its perimeter defense and increased tempo in transition.

For Houston, center Alperen Sengun finished with nine points and 13 rebounds after being listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Clint Capela contributed 10 points in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded to the Rockets on July 6 2025. Capela received a video tribute during a first quarter timeout and acknowledged the crowd with a wave, marking a notable moment in the latest chapter of his career timeline.

The result carries meaningful impact for both teams outlooks. Houston continues to show signs of cohesion as it balances veteran scoring with young contributors, while Atlanta faces increasing urgency to manage injuries as the schedule tightens. What this means moving forward is a critical stretch for the Hawks medical staff and rotation planning as they attempt to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference race.

Next steps see the Rockets returning home to host Dallas on Saturday night, while the Hawks travel to Indiana still searching for lineup stability and healthy reinforcements.