Fred VanVleet's 42 Points Not Enough as Rockets Fall to Jazz

Fred VanVleet had his best game of the season, but it wasn't enough as the Houston Rockets sustained a disappointing defeat to the Utah Jazz.

Apr 11, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends Houston Rockets / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have one more goal to accomplish before ending the 2023-24 season — finish with a record above .500 for the first time in four years. However, the Rockets would have to settle for an even record following a 124-121 loss to the Utah Jazz Thursday night inside the Delta Center.

With the loss, the Rockets fell to 39-41 on the year, while the Jazz ended their season-long 13-game losing streak. With two games left, the Rockets would have to settle for a 41-41 record should they end the season on a two-game winning streak.

Apr 11, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) defends Houston Rockets / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

After scoring a season-best 37 points in Tuesday's home win against the Orlando Magic, Fred VanVleet had a better performance two nights later in Utah. He surpassed his season-high with 42 points on an efficient 12 of 30 shooting from the field, 9 of 13 from behind the arc. He also added seven rebounds and seven assists in the loss.

VanVleet's play marked Houston's fourth 40-point performance of the season. Before his scoring eruption against the Jazz, Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green were the only players who scored 40 or more points. Green accomplished the feat twice in March.

VanVleet got things going early for the Rockets by scoring 20 points during the first quarter. His on-court production led to Houston holding a 38-28 lead entering the second period. But once VanVleet took a rest at the start of the second quarter, the Jazz began to find their rhythm on the offensive end.

Utah outscored Houston 70-58 over the next two periods, which led to the Jazz holding a 98-96 lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Rockets played the Jazz close during the final 12 minutes. Utah recorded their 30th victory of the season by closing the game on a 6-0 run. Seven players scored in double figures for the Jazz. Luka Samanic led the way for Utah with 22 points, while Keyonte George added 20 in the win.

Cam Whitmore scored 18 points off the bench in the loss for Houston. Amen Thompson recorded his 11th career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.