Rockets on Fire, Magic Fizzle Out
Wow, what a game! The Houston Rockets just extended their winning streak to a crazy eight games, taking down the Orlando Magic 116-108. It was a real nail-biter, and honestly, solidifies the Rockets’ place as a serious contender in the West. Meanwhile, the Magic? Their three-point shooting woes continue to haunt them.
A Rollercoaster Ride
The first half was a back-and-forth slugfest. The Magic actually came out strong, taking an early lead. But then, bam! Fred VanVleet hits a clutch three-pointer, and suddenly, the momentum completely shifted. Houston absolutely dominated the third quarter, outscoring Orlando 32-20. That was the turning point, you could feel it. The Rockets’ balanced attack, led by Jalen Green’s 26 points, was just too much for Orlando to handle.
Star Power and Strong Performances
Jalen Green was on fire, dropping 26 points and leading the charge. And Alperen Sengun? Man, what a performance! He put up a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, really showcasing his potential. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero battled hard, scoring 31 points, but it just wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s overall team effort. He played his heart out, though.
Those Pesky Three-Pointers
The Magic’s three-point shooting struggles? They’re a real problem. They shot a dismal 25.7% from beyond the arc (9 of 35). It’s been a recurring theme all season, and it really hampered their offensive rhythm. They just couldn’t find a consistent flow. Coach Jamahl Mosley is right to be concerned; they need to find a way to improve that consistency.
What’s Next?
This win puts the Rockets firmly in the second seed in the Western Conference – setting them up nicely for a deep playoff run. The Magic, sitting at 32-38 and fighting for a playoff spot, need to figure out this shooting thing fast. Their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards is huge. It's a must-win if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. It's going to be a tough road ahead for them.
