Rockets 125-118 Jazz: Houston holds off Utah behind Sengun’s big night

The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 125-118 on November 14, 2026, at Toyota Center, using a balanced offensive attack and a late defensive stand to secure the home win. Houston led for much of the game but had to withstand a determined Utah effort before closing out the victory in the final minutes.

Alperen Şengün was central to Houston’s success, controlling the paint and creating opportunities for teammates. The Rockets’ ability to score inside and out made them difficult to defend, even as Utah’s Lauri Markkanen kept the Jazz within striking distance.

Match overview

Houston took a 62-59 lead into halftime after an evenly matched first half. The Jazz remained aggressive in the third quarter, using Markkanen’s shooting and Keyonte George’s shot creation to stay close. Utah briefly took the lead in the second half, but Houston responded with a composed run of its own.

The fourth quarter featured several lead changes before Houston pulled away with timely three-pointers and free throws. The Rockets’ defense tightened over the final three minutes, forcing Utah into contested attempts and securing key rebounds.

Key moments

• Houston built an early advantage by attacking the paint and generating second-chance points.
• Utah rallied behind Markkanen’s scoring in the third quarter to make it a one-possession game.
• The Rockets answered with a 12-2 run late in the fourth to create separation.
• Houston sealed the result with defensive stops and clutch free-throw shooting.

Tactical story

Houston’s offense ran through Şengün in the high post and near the elbow, where he could score, pass, or hand off to cutting guards. The Rockets also crashed the offensive glass effectively, creating extra possessions against a Utah defense that struggled to finish stops. Jalen Green’s shot-making gave Houston another dimension, particularly when Utah collapsed on Şengün.

Utah’s offensive plan centered on Markkanen’s versatility and George’s penetration. The Jazz generated quality looks for long stretches but could not match Houston’s physicality on the boards. In the closing minutes, Houston’s switching and help defense made Utah’s possessions more difficult.

Standout players

Alperen Şengün finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading Houston in a hard-fought win. Jalen Green added 26 points, while Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points and 11 assists. Amen Thompson also gave Houston a boost with 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Utah was paced by Lauri Markkanen, who scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Keyonte George added 24 points, and Walker Kessler pulled down 15 rebounds. The Jazz’s effort kept the game close, but Houston’s late execution proved decisive.

Season impact

The win gives Houston another important result in the Western Conference race and reinforces the Rockets’ growth as a team capable of winning close games. Utah leaves the matchup with positives from its offensive execution but will focus on late-game defense and rebounding. Both teams remain part of a deeply competitive conference landscape.