Fred VanVleet led the Houston Rockets (39-40) to a 118-106 victory over the Orlando Magic (46-33) with a season-high 37 points.
VanVleet’s outstanding performance, which included eight rebounds and six assists, guided the Rockets to break a five-game losing streak. Jabari Smith Jr. added 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Rookie Amen Thompson contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green added 15 and 14 points respectively.
The Magic, vying for a crucial win to clinch the Southeast Division title, faced tough opposition from the resurgent Rockets led by VanVleet’s offensive explosion.
VanVleet’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc, sinking six 3-pointers, propelled the Rockets to control the game and secure a decisive victory.
For Orlando, top performers were Paolo Banchero, who notched 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, and Jalen Suggs with 21 points. Markelle Fultz cntributed 18 points.
