Reed Sheppard starts as Rockets’ hot shooting powers 117-95 win over Hawks in Houston
Houston controls second half to stop Atlanta after tight opening
The Houston Rockets ended a short downturn with a decisive 117-95 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, March 20, 2026, at Toyota Center. Guard Reed Sheppard drew a start as Houston’s offense found rhythm early and separation late, turning a competitive first half into a runaway after the break.
After the teams played to a relatively close opening stretch, Houston took a 62-54 lead into halftime. The Rockets then expanded the margin with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 39-22, and the lead pushed beyond 30 points early in the fourth.
Three-point gap and rebounding tilt decide the game
Houston’s advantage was built on efficiency and volume from the perimeter and control of the glass. The Rockets shot 50.6% from the field (42-of-83) and 46.7% from three-point range (14-of-30). Atlanta finished at 42.4% overall (36-of-85) and 25.7% from three (9-of-35), a disparity that widened once Houston began to string together stops and transition chances.
The Rockets also won the rebounding battle 60-45, limiting Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities while creating extra possessions of their own. Houston assisted on 33 baskets, reflecting a ball-movement night that helped generate clean looks from deep and at the rim.
- Final score: Rockets 117, Hawks 95
- Three-point shooting: Houston 14-of-30; Atlanta 9-of-35
- Rebounds: Houston 60, Atlanta 45
- Assists: Houston 33, Atlanta 22
Key performers: Durant leads scoring; Sheppard contributes in starting role
Kevin Durant led Houston with 25 points and six assists, providing steady scoring as the Rockets gradually increased the pace and pressure. Jabari Smith Jr. added 23 points and nine rebounds, giving Houston a consistent second source of production.
Sheppard, starting in the backcourt, finished with 14 points. Alperen Şengün added 15 points and was a focal point in Houston’s playmaking as the Rockets’ assist total climbed during the second-half surge.
For Atlanta, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 21 points and added four rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum contributed 17 points and three blocks. Jalen Johnson scored 14 points, but Atlanta’s offense stalled during Houston’s decisive third-quarter push.
Houston turned a halftime edge into a blowout with a 39-22 third quarter, holding Atlanta to 19 points in the fourth.
What the result means
The win gave Houston a reset after a brief skid, highlighted by improved shot quality, rebounding control, and a defense that tightened after halftime. For Atlanta, the loss underscored how quickly games can swing when perimeter shots stop falling and turnovers and rebounding deficits compound against a team shooting efficiently.
The teams will continue their respective schedules with Houston aiming to build on the ball movement and shooting that defined this performance, and Atlanta looking for more consistent offense beyond its primary scorers.