Shen Jing was absent! Durant scored 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists in three quarters as the Rockets dominated the Cavaliers

On December 28th, in the 25-26 NBA regular season, the Rockets secured a 117-100 victory over the Cavaliers. Durant contributed 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists on 11-of-17 shooting.

Statistical Summary

Rockets: Durant with 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists; Amen added 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists; Smith scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds; Shepherd contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals.

Cavaliers: Tyson posted 23 points and 14 rebounds; Mitchell had 16 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals; Garland scored 12 points; Merrill added 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Game Progress

At the start of the first quarter, both teams maintained a high shooting percentage. After Garland drove and scored, the Cavaliers led 12-9. The Rockets then hit several three-pointers in a scoring run, and when Durant made a three, they held a 10-point lead. The Cavaliers fought back hard, but the Rockets kept scoring consistently. The first quarter ended with the Rockets leading 32-24. In the second quarter, the Cavaliers opened with a scoring spurt narrowing the gap to 2 points. Then Durant switched to “scoring mode,” aggressively driving and shooting to lead the Rockets on a new scoring run, stabilizing the game. At halftime, the Rockets led by 14 points, with Durant scoring 23 points in the first half alone.

After the break, both teams exchanged points early through drives, free throws, and jump shots. When Garland scored over Durant in a one-on-one, the Cavaliers trailed 58-70 by 12 points. However, the Cavaliers’ shooting cooled off in the next segment, missing multiple attempts. The Rockets capitalized with a strong offensive burst: Smith hit consecutive three-pointers and Durant kept scoring, sparking a 15-0 run. By the end of the third quarter, the Rockets led 90-63. In the final quarter, the Cavaliers tried to rally, but the Rockets’ outside shooting remained hot, hitting multiple threes to extend the lead to 30 points. With a large deficit and little time left, both teams rested their starters, and the game entered garbage time early. Ultimately, the Rockets cruised to a decisive win over the Cavaliers.

Starting Lineups

Rockets: Durant, Amen, Smith, Eason, Adams

Cavaliers: Mitchell, Garland, Merrill, Allen, Wade