- Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108 in a closely contested game
- Alperen Şengün hit two crucial free throws with 4.5 seconds remaining to secure the win for Houston
- Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, while Şengün and Amen Thompson both recorded double-doubles
- Darius Garland scored 26 points for Cleveland, but missed a critical free throw in the final seconds
- Donovan Mitchell missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer
Key Takeaways:
The Houston Rockets emerged victorious against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 109-108 in a thrilling NBA matchup. Alperen Şengün played the hero for Houston, sinking two decisive free throws with 4.5 seconds left to seal the win. Despite trailing with seven minutes to go, the Rockets mounted a strong comeback to overcome the Cavaliers.
WILD WEDNESDAY WIN 👏 pic.twitter.com/1i9xsoBoqU
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 23, 2025
Cleveland had a chance to regain control late in the game when Darius Garland was fouled on a three-point attempt with 2.8 seconds remaining. However, Garland missed the first of two free throws, leaving the Cavaliers behind by a single point. Donovan Mitchell then attempted a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it missed, confirming the Rockets’ win.
Fred VanVleet led Houston with 26 points, while Şengün contributed 18 points, 11 rebounds, and the game-winning free throws. Amen Thompson also impressed with a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds.
For the Cavaliers, Garland was the top scorer with 26 points, followed by Mitchell with 19 points and Jarrett Allen, who posted 17 points and 13 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Cleveland fell short in the final seconds of a dramatic encounter.