Fred VanVleet Scores Season-High, Rockets End Five-Game Losing Skid to Magic

Behind a season-high 37 points from Fred VanVleet, the Houston Rockets ended their five-game losing streak in a victory over the Magic.

Mar 16, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) dribbles against the / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

HOUSTON -- Coach Ime Udoka vowed that the Houston Rockets were a "completely different team" when compared to their season-opening defeat to the Orlando Magic on Oct. 25. Six months after their first loss of the 2023-24 season, the Rockets avenged their early season loss in a 118-106 victory over the Magic Tuesday night.

The win ended the Rockets' five-game losing streak while closing the home portion of the season with a 27-14 record.

Apr 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jeff Green (32) shoots an inside shot / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Fred VanVleet got things going early for the Rockets by scoring 15 points during the first quarter. His hot scoring to start the game gave Houston a 36-25 lead heading into the second period. VanVleet maintained his efficient performance throughout the night, finishing with a season-high 37 points on 13 of 22 shooting, 6 of 11 from behind the arc. He also added seven rebounds and five assists in the win.

Jabari Smith Jr. also helped the Rockets set an early tone against the Magic. He scored 14 of his 23 points during the first half, which led to Houston holding a 63-51 lead into halftime. Smith's play against Orlando was a bounce-back performance after his two missed free throws played a massive role in the Rockets' overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

Orlando was able to get into a slight rhythm midway through the third period. Their production led to the Magic cutting its once 19-point deficit to six (97-91) with 8:50 left in the fourth quarter. However, Houston embarked on a 17-10 run to regain its dominance.

The entire starting five scored in double-figures for the Rockets. Dillon Brooks added 15 points, while Jalen Green finished with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Amen Thompson added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the win.

Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs eached scored 21 points in the loss. Markelle Fultz added 18 points on 8 of 18 shooting.