The Houston Rockets pulled off an exciting 117-111 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it wasn’t just about the win—it was how they won. Center Alperen Şengün hit a clutch jump hook over Rudy Gobert and celebrated with a “too small” gesture, but it was more than just a fun moment. It symbolized the Rockets’ confidence and growth as a team.
This victory wasn’t just about securing a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals; it was about how the Rockets kept their cool and stuck together, especially when things got tough. They had an 18-point lead in the second half, but the Timberwolves came back to tie the game. Still, instead of panicking, the Rockets stayed focused, moved the ball well, and hit key shots when it mattered most.
“I told the team, this is probably one of the sweetest wins of the year,” said Coach Ime Udoka. And his players agreed. They had built a strong lead but lost it, yet they didn’t give up. They showed resilience, stayed composed, and executed well down the stretch.
Şengün, who finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, said his “too small” gesture was just a fun way to motivate the team. He was on fire that night, playing offense and defense with intensity. Fred VanVleet also had a great game, nearly recording a triple-double with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Even when the Rockets couldn’t hit their 3-pointers, they kept passing the ball, trusting that good shots would come. They got a few big stops in the final moments of the game, and when they had the chance, they made their shots count. VanVleet said it was “fun” to play that way, with everyone sharing the ball and playing with energy.
The Rockets finished with 31 assists, showing their teamwork and unselfish play. Dillon Brooks added his own contributions, hitting 4 of 7 three-pointers and talking about how important the ball movement was. “It’s always the passing that makes the shot,” he said.
While the Rockets were nearly caught by the Timberwolves’ 21-4 run, they didn’t panic. They stayed focused and managed to get back to what was working for them—great ball movement and solid defense. Şengün said they were really “focused” and “enjoyed” the close game. It was a win that felt extra special because they’ve had some tough losses in close games this season.
The Rockets now have a solid record when leading by double digits, but they know there’s more work to be done to avoid letting big leads slip away. Coach Udoka said, “A lot of teams would fold when they let a big lead go. But we found a way to get it back.”
This game was a reminder of the Rockets’ growth as a team. They didn’t just win—they won with confidence, teamwork, and the kind of focus that shows they’re becoming a stronger team.