Rockets Outlast Wizards in High-Scoring Thriller, Extend Winning Streak
The Houston Rockets continued their impressive run with a hard-fought 123-118 victory over the Washington Wizards on March 2, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Led by standout performances from Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant, the Rockets showcased their resilience and dominance, particularly in the paint, to secure their seventh consecutive win against Washington.
Star Performances Drive Rockets to Victory
Alperen Sengun delivered a stellar performance, scoring 32 points to lead the Rockets, while Kevin Durant added 30 points, combining for a formidable 62-point effort. The Rockets took control of the game in the second quarter and never relinquished their lead, despite a spirited challenge from the Wizards in the final minutes. Sharife Cooper provided a significant boost off the bench with 21 points, highlighting the team's depth and offensive firepower.
Wizards Struggle Amid Absences and Ejections
The Washington Wizards faced significant challenges, missing their leading scorer Alex Sarr due to injury, which hampered their offensive options. Bilal Coulibaly stepped up with a season-high 23 points, including five three-pointers, but it wasn't enough to prevent the team's fifth consecutive loss. The game was marred by tension in the third quarter when Rockets' Tari Eason was ejected after pushing Jamir Watkins, resulting in two technical fouls. Additionally, newly acquired Trae Young, set to debut for the Wizards in the next game, was also ejected for leaving the bench during the altercation.
Key Statistics and Game Highlights
The Rockets dominated in several key areas, outscoring the Wizards 62-40 in the paint and outrebounding them 59-27, underscoring their physical advantage. Despite the loss, the Wizards displayed sharp shooting from beyond the arc, making 19 three-pointers on 35 attempts. The game also marked the debut of Julian Reese, brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, adding a notable subplot to the matchup. In the closing moments, the Wizards attempted a late rally, but Durant's clutch free throws and Sengun's putback-and-one sealed the victory for Houston, demonstrating their composure under pressure.
This win reinforces the Rockets' strong form and ability to perform in high-stakes situations, while the Wizards will look to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities as they aim to break their losing streak in upcoming games.
