Smith Jr. Scores 30 as Rockets Defeat Thunder 119-98

A Dominant Start Sets the Tone

The Houston Rockets established control early, jumping out to a significant lead in the opening period before maintaining their advantage through the final buzzer. Playing at home at the Toyota Center, Houston defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-98 on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The win improves the Rockets' record to 6-1, while the Thunder fall to 4-2.

Houston’s offensive efficiency was evident from the tip-off. They opened the first quarter with a 35-26 advantage, leveraging superior shooting and timely scoring runs to build a cushion that would never truly be threatened. The home team outscored their visitors in both the second and third quarters as well, winning the middle periods 27-25 and 30-24 respectively.

Houston closed out the game with a 27-23 fourth-quarter performance, securing the 21-point victory.

Smith Jr. Leads the Way

Jabari Smith Jr. was the standout performer for Houston, leading all scorers with 30 points. He also contributed significantly on the glass, grabbing nine rebounds to complete a double-double performance. Smith’s scoring came from various spots on the floor, including multiple three-pointers and mid-range jumpers throughout the game.

Alperen Sengun orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out a game-high nine assists for the Rockets. His ability to create opportunities for teammates was a key factor in Houston's balanced attack. The Thunder’s top performer was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 26 points for Oklahoma City. Ajay Mitchell provided support for the visitors with five assists, while Aday Mara grabbed nine rebounds for OKC.

Fourth Quarter Seals the Win

While the Rockets had built a substantial lead by halftime, they continued to extend their margin in the second half. The third quarter saw Houston outscore Oklahoma City 30-24, further widening the gap. In the final period, despite some late-game scoring from both sides, the Rockets maintained control. The game featured several lead changes and runs, but Houston’s early deficit proved insurmountable for the Thunder.

The contest drew an attendance of 18,055 at the Toyota Center in Houston. With this result, Houston strengthens its position in the standings with a 6-1 record, while Oklahoma City must look to regroup as they sit at 4-2.

Sources

ESPN