Jock has last laugh against Boomers teammate Dyson

• Dyson Daniels snatches four more steals to lead the NBA
• Jock Landale back from "personal reasons" absence
• Rockets are on a tear, go to 34-12 on the season

In a nail-biting finish, the Houston Rockets held off a late surge from the Atlanta Hawks to secure a crucial 100-96 victory (Game Centre) on the road on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

The win solidified Houston's position near the top of the Western Conference standings, while dealing a blow to Atlanta's playoff aspirations in the East.

NBA Steals Leader Dyson Daniels provided a silver lining for Atlanta with a well-rounded performance of 12 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and four steals, showcasing his potential as a two-way force and growing lock to be on the All-NBA Defensive First Team in 2025.

Australian centre Jock Landale was outstanding off the bench for the Rockets. He finished +15, grabbed six boards, dished two assists and a block. He scored four points on 2-from-3 from the field.

The Rockets, led by Jalen Green's 25-point outburst, seemed to be cruising to a comfortable win after building a double-digit lead in the third quarter. However, the resilient Hawks, spearheaded by Trae Young's 21 points and nine assists, refused to go quietly, mounting a furious fourth-quarter comeback that had the State Farm Arena crowd on their feet.

Houston's victory was built on a foundation of stifling defence and timely scoring. The Rockets forced 16 Atlanta turnovers, converting them into 22 points. Alperen Sengun was a force in the paint, notching a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Amen Thompson's all-around play (11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals) provided a spark on both ends of the floor.

Statistically, the contrast in three-point shooting told the story of the night. While both teams struggled from beyond the arc, Houston's 7-from-30 (23.3%) looked positively scorching compared to Atlanta's frigid 11-from-47 (23.4%). The Rockets' ability to get to the free-throw line proved decisive, as they converted 19-of-20 attempts compared to Atlanta's 13-of-16.

Jalen Green's performance was particularly noteworthy, as the young guard continues to blossom into a bona fide star. Despite an off-night from three-point range (1-from-9), Green showcased his improved all-around game, grabbing seven rebounds and playing tough defense with 2 steals and a block.

On the Hawks' side, Trae Young's stat line was marred by eight turnovers, a testament to Houston's aggressive perimeter defence.

Utah Jazz @ Golden State Warriors

NBA champion point guard Patty Mills played 14 minutes in Utah's 114-103 loss on the road to the Golden State Warriors.

He went 0-from-2 the field, both three-point attempts and was -15 in his minutes. Mills grabbed two boards.

Milwaukee Bucks @ Portland Trail Blazers

Australian centre Duop Reath played just one minute in Portland's 125-112 home win against the Milwaukee Bucks. He had a ringside seat to Giannis Antetokounmpo's 39 points on 17-from-24 from the field.