Reed Sheppard’s start helps Rockets overwhelm Hawks in Atlanta, ending brief slump with balanced scoring attack

Rockets snap out of a short skid with a decisive road win

The Houston Rockets ended a brief downturn with a 104-86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at State Farm Arena. The win featured a second-half surge that turned a tight first half into a comfortable margin, with Houston holding Atlanta to 44 points after halftime.

Reed Sheppard started in the backcourt and logged 19 minutes, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, plus three assists. His minutes came in a patchwork rotation shaped by injuries and availability, and Houston leaned on multiple ball-handlers rather than a single high-usage initiator.

Second-half separation driven by pace, rebounding and shot-making

The game was tied 23-23 after one quarter and remained close at the break, with Houston up 43-42. The Rockets then created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 35-24, before closing with a 26-20 fourth quarter.

Houston’s offensive efficiency improved as the game progressed. The Rockets finished at 46.7% from the field and hit 10 three-pointers, including an efficient stretch after intermission that coincided with better defensive containment and faster conversion opportunities.

• Points in the paint: Houston 44, Atlanta 40
• Second-chance points: Houston 24, Atlanta 26
• Fast-break points: Houston 17, Atlanta 19
• Biggest lead: Houston by 22

Durant leads scoring; Sheppard provides perimeter punch in a thin-rotation context

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 31 points, anchoring Houston’s half-court offense while also benefiting from improved spacing as the Rockets’ perimeter shots began to fall. Houston also received production from role players and reserves, including Clint Capela’s 8 points and 4 rebounds in his return to Atlanta, and Josh Okogie’s 7 points and 5 rebounds.

Sheppard’s impact was concentrated in floor spacing and quick-trigger threes. His shooting helped Houston extend the margin in the second half, including a three-pointer that pushed the lead into a decisive range as Atlanta struggled to generate efficient offense.

Atlanta short-handed as Houston’s defense clamps down late

Atlanta played without several rotation pieces due to injuries and other designations, and the limitations showed most clearly in the final two quarters. The Hawks shot 40.5% overall and scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as Houston protected the paint, limited clean perimeter looks, and avoided the turnover runs that can fuel home-team comebacks.

The result underscored how Houston’s offensive balance and second-half defensive execution can stabilize outcomes when the rotation is in flux.

For the Rockets, the win served as a reset: a road performance built on a strong closing half, efficient three-point shooting from key contributors, and enough depth production to turn a competitive first half into a rout.