March 15, 2025 – Houston, Texas
Game Highlights
- Jalen Green’s Stellar Performance: Leading the charge for Houston, Jalen Green delivered an impressive 28 points, showcasing his scoring versatility.
- Alperen Sengun’s Double-Double: Center Alperen Sengun dominated the paint with 24 points and 15 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence.
- Fred VanVleet’s All-Around Contribution: Guard Fred VanVleet added 23 points and seven assists, including a buzzer-beating fadeaway three-pointer to end the first half.
- Coby White’s Efforts for Chicago: The Bulls’ Coby White led his team with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, keeping Chicago competitive throughout the game.
Game Flow
The Bulls started strong, leading 65-60 at halftime. However, the Rockets opened the second half with an 8-2 run, highlighted by Sengun’s contributions, shifting the momentum in Houston’s favor. The game remained tight, with multiple lead changes in the third quarter. A pivotal moment occurred with 5:52 remaining in the fourth quarter when Green’s three-pointer gave Houston a 100-98 lead, a position they maintained until the final buzzer.
Team Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage: Bulls shot 46.2%; Rockets 44.9%.
- Three-Point Shooting: Bulls connected on 36.8% of their attempts; Rockets 31.8%.
- Rebounding Battle: Rockets outrebounded the Bulls 54 to 36, a decisive factor in the game’s outcome.
Post-Game Remarks
Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Our guys showed great composure down the stretch. Jalen [Green] and Alperen [Sengun] were outstanding tonight.” Bulls coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the competitiveness of the game, noting, “We had our chances but couldn’t capitalize in crucial moments. Credit to Houston for their execution.”
Next Up
The Rockets will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, aiming to extend their winning streak. The Bulls continue their road trip, facing the Utah Jazz on the same day, seeking to rebound from this narrow loss.
