Inside The Rockets

Rockets Launch Into Second Half With Win vs. Wolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves came to town hungry for a win, but the Houston Rockets weren't giving it to them.

Jeremy Brener

Feb 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Feb 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets are starting the second half of the season on the right foot after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-115 on Friday night inside Toyota Center.

The Rockets raced out to the tune of 48 points in the first quarter with a hot start fueled by Jalen Green. The former No. 2 overall pick finished with 35 points to lead the way for the Rockets.

Alperen Sengun wasn't hot at the start, picking up two fouls in the first four minutes of the game. However, he came back with a vengeance and finished with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Jabari Smith Jr. played in his first game since Jan. 3 after recovering from a broken hand. He came off the bench, but played 37 minutes and scored 15 points while grabbing nine rebounds.

The Wolves were led by Anthony Edwards, who had 25 in the first half and finished with a game-high 37.

With the win, the Rockets stay in fourth place in the Western Conference, putting them a full game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for homecourt advantage. However, they still sit two games back of the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets, who are both tied for the No. 2 seed.

The Rockets are back in action tomorrow night against the Utah Jazz at 8:30 p.m. CT.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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