Views for the Game: The Rockets Have One of Their Most Complete Games in Knicks Win

The Houston Rockets came into their matchup with the New York Knicks on life support in their pursuit of the Los Angeles Lakers for the third spot in the Western Conference. With the Rockets losing back-to-back games to the Lakers, they lost out on the tiebreaker and now trail the Lakers by three games in the loss column.

The Rockets just finished their last multi-game road trip of the season, going 2-2 after winning the final two games against the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.

Pregame

Before the game, head coach Ime Udoka spoke to the media about the matchup with the Knicks and a change to the starting lineup. Udoka said Tari Eason would move back into the starting lineup at least for one game, citing a "matchup" reason. Udoka said that Sheppard would more than likely be back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game.

Udoka also gave an update on Fred VanVleet, stating there's nothing new: he's continuing on-court work but still hasn't been cleared for any contact. Udoka also said the end of the season isn't the deadline for his return; he could still return during a playoff series if he were cleared to play.

Rockets vs Knicks

The Rockets hoped that with Eason in the starting lineup, they could get off to a good defensive start. That is exactly what happened as the Rockets went on a 12-0 run after Jalen Brunson split one of two free throws. Durant scored 10 of the first 12 Rocket points.

The Rockets' offensive onslaught continued throughout the first quarter as they played with intensity and speed that we haven't seen from them in a while, especially against a quality opponent.

The Rockets shot a blistering 75 percent from the field and finished the first quarter with a 37-21 lead. The start of the second quarter was a 180 for the Rockets, as the Knicks put pressure on them and eventually cut the lead to four. The Rockets struggled to score in the first five minutes.

The Rockets, however, were able to do something they hadn't been able to do often this season: not only stop the other team's run but push the lead back to double digits with a run of their own.

Too many times this season, the Rockets would let big leads slip away and not have an answer. The Rockets pushed the lead back to as many as 19 after the Knicks had cut it to 4. The Rockets took a 63-50 lead into halftime.

The Rockets continued their hot shooting in the third quarter as they made the right passes and played tough defense forcing the Knicks into several turnovers. The Rockets were able to push the lead to 92-72 heading into the fourth quarter after a Jabari Smith corner 3-pointer with less than a second left in the quarter.

The Rockets never looked back, as the Knicks never got back into the game, and the Rockets cruised to one of their best wins of the season, defeating the Knicks 111-94.

The Rockets were led by Durant's game-high 27 points and Sengun's 10 assists, as the Rockets finished with a season-high 35 assists in the win. After the game, head coach Ime Udoka, Durant, and Tari Eason spoke to the media.

Postgame

Udoka spoke after the game about the Rockets' ball movement and their tough defense. Udoka also talked about how well Sengun played, especially as a playmaker on pick-and-rolls.

Rockets on Si asked Udoka if having Sengun and Durant in pick-and-rolls makes each player's life easier on the offensive end.

I asked Ime how much easier it is for KD and Sengun when they are running pick and roll together.”

“When see Alperen being decisive and making the right read every time tonight your encouraged by that.” pic.twitter.com/BEb6XxU1sw
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 1, 2026

Durant, as per usual, had an efficient 27 points despite defenders grabbing and holding him all game. That has been a common tactic for defenders throughout most of his career, trying to prevent him from getting the basketball, so I asked Durant how he has adjusted his game so it does not affect him on the offensive end.

I asked KD how he has adjusted his game and how he deals with defenders constantly holding and crowding him to prevent him from getting the ball.

“Just being more physical slowing down being patient letting my teammates screen for me and then once I get the ball they at my… https://t.co/L9p270NrcO pic.twitter.com/DDDxvubgi7
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 1, 2026

Eason had struggled on the offensive end prior to his previous three game but has turned it around scoring 15 plus points in three straight games for the first time this season. Rockets on SI asked Eason how important it has been having teammates who had his back during his tough stretch.

Tari and Al P did their post-game interview together after their win over the Pelicans, and I asked Tari what it means to him to know they have his back no matter what.

“Its been great. In times when you're going through things, or there may be a slump sometimes you need other… pic.twitter.com/uS5Fue5chI
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 1, 2026

The Rockets have now won three straight games and will look for number four in a row Wednesday as they host the shorthanded Milawaukee Bucks.