Markkanen and George lead Jazz to victory over Rockets with 29 and 28 points each

Markkanen Leads Utah Jazz to 133-125 Victory Over Houston Rockets

SALT LAKE CITY Lauri Markkanen delivered 29 points while Keyonte George contributed 28 as the Utah Jazz edged the Houston Rockets 133-125 on Monday night.

Kevin Durant struggled for much of the game but managed 16 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter for Houston. Alperin Sengun recorded 31 points and matched his career high with 14 assists. Amen Thompson added 23 points for the Rockets (13-5), who had previously won five consecutive road games.

Senguns contested layup brought Houston within 126-123 with just 52.7 seconds remaining, but George converted 5 of 6 free throws and made a key steal in the final moments to secure the win.

The teams had met the previous night in Utah, where the Rockets dominated 129-101. This game saw a dramatic turnaround, with the Jazz controlling most of the action. George, after a scoreless night with eight turnovers on Sunday, shot 8-for-14 and added eight assists.

Jusuf Nurkic posted a season-high 18 points and nine rebounds before fouling out, while Ace Bailey contributed 13 points. Utah (6-13) improved to 6-6 at home. The Jazz expanded their lead to 98-77 following Nurkic's hook shot with 1:37 left in the third quarter, though the Rockets briefly narrowed it to 98-89 with a 12-0 run in the final 97 seconds of the period.

Despite being one of the NBAs top defensive teamsallowing just 97.7 points per game during their three-game winning streakthe Rockets struggled with rotations against Utah, which frequently executed extra passes to open shooters. The absence of Steven Adams was felt in the paint, and Utah capitalized with 24 second-chance points.

In the final 36 seconds of the fourth quarter, the Rockets committed five fouls without gaining possession, putting the Jazz in the bonus and allowing George to seal the victory at the free-throw line.

Upcoming games: Rockets host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, while the Jazz travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

Author: Sophia Brooks