Rockets Ride Hot Hand Jalen Green, Squeeze Past 76ers in Overtime

The Houston Rockets defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 122-115, behind Jalen Green and his 41 points on Wednesday night.

Nov 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) drives for a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets flew into Philadelphia to face the 76ers for the latter half of their back-to-back on Wednesday night. They were looking to extend their win streak to three following a commanding overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night.

Star guard Jalen Green who struggled in Tuesday's matchup, came alive early against Philadelphia, scoring 18 points in just the first quarter, doubling his total against Minnesota. Green's extraordinary quarter led Houston to an 11-point lead at the end of the first.

The 76ers, however, began to cut down on that lead, clawing back into the game behind a strong first-half performance from superstar guard Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey hit double figures in the scoring department in just two quarters to keep Philadelphia within striking distance, but the Rockets' star forward Amen Thompson kept Houston on top behind his strong defensive performance through two quarters.

He recorded five stocks (steals and blocks) in just the first half alone, and led the Rockets to a four-point led through two quarters.

The 76ers wouldn't go away easy though. They kept the game close, only trailing by six at the end of the third as they took advantage of Houston's struggles offensively in the quarter.

Philadelphia fought its way back in the fourth, tying the game with just 11 seconds left after Dillon Brooks fouled Maxey at the three-point line. The Rockets turned to star center Alperen Şengün to take the last shot, but he was stopped in his tracks by Guerschon Yabusele. Houston, for the second night in a row, was headed to overtime.

Overtime belonged to the Rockets however, as their defense came back alive, holding the 76ers to just seven points in extended play. Houston squeezed past Philadelphia 122-115.

Green ended the night with a game-high 41 points on 12-of-20 shooting, a complete turnaround from his nine-point performance on Tuesday night.

The 'Terror Twins' Tari Eason and Amen Thompson put on a show defensively once again, recording 8 stocks, helping contribute to 15 points off of turnovers for Houston on the night.

The Rockets now sit at 14-6, leading the Western Conference in wins on the season.

They will look to continue their momentum on Sunday in a pivotal matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder back at the Toyota Center that could very well determine who takes control of the number one seed in the west.

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