The Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 112-109, at Spectrum Center on Friday.

The Rockets (21-60) clinched their 21st win of the season with a tight win over the Hornets (26-55), but it was not an easy game. In fact, Houston had to stop a comeback from Charlotte, as the Hornets came close to turning things around late in the fourth quarter. Things started well for the Hornets after winning the first quarter by a 26-25 score, but the Rockets responded and won the second quarter 30-23, earning a six-point lead at the break. Houston bolstered its advantage even further and led by 12 points after three quarters. The Hornets tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter and outscored Houston by a 36-27 score. However, that was not enough to flip the script, and the Rockets escaped with the victory.

Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green led the Rockets with 26 points each in this game. Porter Jr. also added five assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Green finished with six assists and three boards. Alperen Sengun had a double-double of 14 points and 21 rebounds, but he also added three assists, two steals and a block. Jabari Smith had 13 points and three blocks. Kenyon Martin Jr. had 14 points while adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Svi Mykhailiuk led the Hornets with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. Theo Maledon finished with 22 points, eight assists and five steals. Mark Williams had a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double. J.T. Thor ended with 10 points and five rebounds.