Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats

The houston rockets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from April 4, 2025, tell the story of a Houston team that controlled the game through scoring efficiency, rebounding, physical play, and timely shot-making. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 125-111 at Toyota Center in Houston, ending Oklahoma City’s 11-game winning streak. Jalen Green led Houston with 34 points, while Alperen Sengun added 31. For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams produced 33 points and Chet Holmgren scored 20.

Although Oklahoma City entered the matchup with an outstanding 64-13 record, Houston exposed several areas that become especially important when evaluating player performance beyond the final score. The Rockets shot 48.9% from the field, 44.8% from three-point range, and 84.6% from the free-throw line. They also won the rebounding battle 48-33 and committed fewer turnovers than the Thunder.

This was not simply a case of one team having a better shooting night. The player statistics show how Houston repeatedly created advantages inside, generated second-chance opportunities, converted at the free-throw line, and maintained enough defensive pressure to prevent Oklahoma City from completing its second-half comeback.

Table of Contents

Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The game was played at Toyota Center in front of 18,055 fans. The official NBA game record lists the matchup as Oklahoma City 111, Houston 125, with Houston leading throughout the majority of the contest.

Category	Oklahoma City Thunder	Houston Rockets
Final Score	111	125
Field Goals	43-89	45-92
Field Goal %	48.3%	48.9%
Three-Pointers	13-35	13-29
Three-Point %	37.1%	44.8%
Free Throws	12-15	22-26
Free-Throw %	80.0%	84.6%
Rebounds	33	48
Assists	24	24
Turnovers	15	13
Steals	7	10
Blocks	6	5

The most important difference is not field-goal percentage. Both teams shot close to 49%.

The separation came from what happened around those shots.

Houston attempted 26 free throws compared with only 15 for Oklahoma City. The Rockets also collected 48 rebounds against 33 for the Thunder. That 15-rebound advantage created extra possessions and reduced Oklahoma City’s opportunities to generate second chances of its own.

The NBA’s official game summary confirms that Houston won the rebounding battle 48-33 and built a maximum lead of 23 points.

How the Game Developed Quarter by Quarter

Houston established control immediately.

First Quarter: Rockets 35, Thunder 28

The opening quarter set the tone for the entire night.

Houston scored 35 points and finished the period seven points ahead. Rather than relying entirely on perimeter shooting, the Rockets attacked the paint and created pressure that helped them reach the free-throw line.

Oklahoma City still shot the ball effectively overall, but the Thunder could not match Houston’s physicality on the glass.

The early deficit mattered because Oklahoma City was forced to spend much of the game trying to erase a lead instead of dictating the pace.

Second Quarter: Rockets 34, Thunder 25

The second quarter was where Houston created its biggest separation.

The Rockets scored another 34 points while limiting Oklahoma City to 25. By halftime, Houston had built a substantial advantage.

The official game recap noted that Houston’s lead reached 23 points during the contest.

This stretch also demonstrated the value of Houston’s balanced scoring. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun were carrying the scoring load, but players such as Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. contributed in other ways.

Third Quarter: Thunder 32, Rockets 27

Oklahoma City finally found some rhythm after halftime.

The Thunder scored 32 points in the third quarter, five more than Houston. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became increasingly important as Oklahoma City tried to reduce the deficit.

SGA scored eight points during a 12-3 Thunder run late in the third quarter, helping cut Houston’s advantage before the final period.

That comeback attempt is important when evaluating the player statistics because the game was not simply a wire-to-wire blowout. Oklahoma City created pressure after halftime.

Houston still entered the fourth quarter with enough separation to control the final stretch.

Fourth Quarter: Rockets 29, Thunder 26

The Rockets responded when the Thunder threatened.

Jalen Green played a major role in stopping the comeback, scoring during a Houston run that pushed the lead back into comfortable territory. The Rockets ultimately won the fourth quarter 29-26 and finished with a 14-point victory.

That response is one of the strongest indicators of Houston’s performance. The team did not panic when Oklahoma City gained momentum.

Jalen Green’s 34-Point Performance

Jalen Green was Houston’s leading scorer with 34 points in 38 minutes.

His complete line was:

34 points
11-of-24 shooting
3-of-10 from three
9-of-10 free throws
4 rebounds
5 assists
2 steals
1 block
3 turnovers
+15

The shooting percentage, 45.8%, was not extraordinary. What made Green’s performance valuable was the combination of scoring volume, free-throw production, playmaking, and fourth-quarter shot-making.

His 9-of-10 performance at the line gave Houston a reliable source of points even when his perimeter shooting was inconsistent.

Green’s +15 plus/minus was also the best mark among the major Houston contributors listed in the game data.

The official NBA box score confirms the 34-point performance and his 15-point plus/minus.

Why Green’s Efficiency Needs Context

Looking only at his 11-of-24 shooting can make the game appear less impressive than it actually was.

Green faced a strong Oklahoma City defense and still generated 34 points. His ability to draw fouls added nine successful free throws, and his five assists showed that his role extended beyond scoring.

This is a useful lesson when reading NBA player statistics: field-goal percentage alone does not always explain offensive impact.

Alperen Sengun’s 31 Points and Offensive Control

Alperen Sengun delivered another major performance for Houston.

He finished with:

31 points
11-of-21 field goals
9-of-12 free throws
2 rebounds
4 assists
3 steals
3 turnovers
+4

Sengun’s 52.4% field-goal shooting was efficient considering his offensive responsibility.

His 11 made field goals tied him with Jalen Green as one of Houston’s primary scoring engines. More importantly, Sengun helped Houston create pressure inside rather than forcing the offense into a three-point contest.

His three steals also mattered. They demonstrate that his impact was not limited to offensive possessions.

The combination of 31 points, four assists, and three steals made Sengun one of the most influential players on the floor.

Amen Thompson’s Two-Way Impact

Amen Thompson’s statistics are easy to overlook next to Green and Sengun, but they help explain why Houston won.

Thompson recorded:

16 points
6-of-9 shooting
2-of-2 from three
2-of-2 free throws
8 rebounds
6 assists
3 turnovers
1 steal
2 blocks
+11

This was an extremely complete performance.

His 8 rebounds and 6 assists showed his value outside of scoring. His two blocks and one steal added defensive activity, while his perfect three-point and free-throw shooting prevented wasted opportunities.

Thompson also shared the Houston assists lead with Fred VanVleet.

For analysts, this is the type of box-score profile that demonstrates why a player can have a major influence without leading the team in scoring.

Jabari Smith Jr. and the Rebounding Battle

Jabari Smith Jr. recorded one of the most important statistical performances of the night without scoring many points.

He finished with:

9 points
3-of-8 field goals
1-of-2 from three
2-of-2 free throws
17 rebounds
1 assist
1 steal
2 turnovers
+15

The 17 rebounds were particularly significant.

Houston finished with 48 total rebounds, 15 more than Oklahoma City. Smith’s 17 accounted for more than one-third of the Rockets’ total.

That statistic changes the way the game should be interpreted.

A player does not need 25 or 30 points to dominate a matchup. Smith’s work on the glass created additional possessions and limited Oklahoma City’s ability to secure defensive stops.

The official NBA box score lists Smith with 17 rebounds and a +15 plus/minus.

Steven Adams Provided Physicality

Steven Adams added another important interior contribution.

He played 23 minutes and recorded:

8 points
4-of-7 shooting
12 rebounds
2 steals
1 block
+7

Adams and Smith combined for 29 rebounds.

That alone illustrates how strongly Houston controlled the interior battle.

Adams’ two steals and one block also demonstrate the defensive activity that helped Houston maintain pressure without relying entirely on perimeter defense.

Fred VanVleet’s Efficient Supporting Role

Fred VanVleet played 37 minutes and finished with 13 points, six assists, and one steal.

His shooting line was particularly efficient:

5-of-9 field goals
3-of-7 three-pointers
6 assists
+6

VanVleet did not need to become Houston’s primary scorer. His job was to organize possessions, space the floor, and punish Oklahoma City when defensive attention moved toward Green or Sengun.

His six assists tied Thompson for the team lead.

That balance is important because Houston had multiple players capable of creating offensive advantages.

Jalen Williams Was Oklahoma City’s Best Scorer

Jalen Williams was the Thunder’s leading scorer with 33 points.

He recorded:

33 points
13-of-21 shooting
2-of-3 from three
5-of-6 free throws
3 rebounds
4 assists
2 steals
1 block
2 turnovers
-13

Williams was highly efficient, shooting 61.9% from the field.

This is one of the clearest examples of an individual player performing well while his team loses.

Williams scored 33 points on only 21 field-goal attempts, but Oklahoma City still lost by 14. His -13 plus/minus also shows that his individual offensive success did not translate into team-level control.

The official box score confirms his 33 points on 13-of-21 shooting.

Chet Holmgren’s Six Three-Pointers

Chet Holmgren produced one of the most unusual shooting performances of the matchup.

He scored 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting while making 6-of-8 three-pointers.

His line included:

20 points
6-of-10 field goals
6-of-8 three-pointers
2-of-2 free throws
4 rebounds
1 assist
2 turnovers
2 blocks
+3

His 75% shooting from three was outstanding.

The NBA recap noted that the six made three-pointers represented a career high for Holmgren in a game.

Yet Oklahoma City still lost.

That is another important analytical point. Even an exceptional individual shooting performance may not overcome a significant team-level disadvantage in rebounding, free throws, and possessions.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 22 Points and Eight Assists

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 22 points and eight assists.

His complete line included:

22 points
10-of-22 shooting
1-of-6 from three
1-of-2 free throws
4 rebounds
8 assists
3 steals
3 turnovers
-6

SGA’s eight assists were the highest total for either team.

His three steals also showed his defensive activity.

However, the matchup presented a difficult challenge because Houston forced Oklahoma City to work against a physical defense while simultaneously winning the rebounding battle.

The NBA’s game recap also highlighted that Gilgeous-Alexander reached 20 points for the 70th consecutive game, extending an extraordinary scoring streak at the time.

Isaiah Hartenstein’s Efficient Interior Night

Isaiah Hartenstein was extremely efficient offensively.

He recorded:

16 points
8-of-9 field goals
7 rebounds
4 assists
1 steal
2 blocks
1 turnover
-12

His 88.9% field-goal percentage was the best among Oklahoma City’s major contributors.

He also led the Thunder in rebounding with seven.

However, seven rebounds from the team’s leading rebounder were not enough to offset Houston’s 48-33 advantage.

That contrast is important. Hartenstein performed efficiently, but the Thunder needed significantly more collective rebounding support.

Luguentz Dort’s Difficult Shooting Night

Luguentz Dort finished with only two points on 1-of-6 shooting and missed all four of his three-point attempts.

His line included four rebounds and three assists, but his offensive production was limited.

Dort’s performance illustrates how Houston could concentrate on Oklahoma City’s primary scorers.

When a supporting perimeter player cannot punish defensive attention with outside shooting, the opposing defense can become more aggressive toward the team’s principal creators.

Team Shooting Was Not the Main Difference

At first glance, the shooting numbers appear relatively close.

Oklahoma City shot 48.3% from the field.

Houston shot 48.9%.

That is only a 0.6 percentage-point difference.

So why did Houston win by 14?

The answer is that the game was decided through several smaller advantages that accumulated.

Houston:

Shot 44.8% from three.
Made 22 free throws.
Attempted 26 free throws.
Collected 48 rebounds.
Had 13 turnovers compared with 15 for Oklahoma City.
Recorded 10 steals.
Produced 19 fast-break points.
Built a 23-point lead.

The official game summary records the 19-8 fast-break advantage and the 48-33 rebounding margin.

The result is a useful reminder that a basketball game cannot be accurately explained by field-goal percentage alone.

The Rebounding Difference Changed the Game

The 48-33 rebounding advantage was arguably the most important team statistic.

Houston grabbed 15 more rebounds.

That difference affected both ends of the court.

Offensive Rebounding Creates Extra Chances

Even when a team misses, an offensive rebound can keep the possession alive.

Houston’s larger rebounding output gave its offense more opportunities to score without requiring another defensive stop.

Defensive Rebounding Ends Possessions

On the other side, securing a defensive rebound prevents the opponent from extending a possession.

This becomes especially important against Oklahoma City because the Thunder’s offensive system relies heavily on pace, movement, spacing, and repeated opportunities.

Houston’s work on the glass reduced those second opportunities.

Houston Won the Free-Throw Battle

Another major difference was free-throw volume.

Houston attempted 26 free throws and made 22.

Oklahoma City attempted 15 and made 12.

That created a 10-point difference in made free throws.

Jalen Green alone made nine free throws. Sengun made nine as well.

Together, the two Houston stars converted 18 free throws.

This is one of the clearest explanations for the scoring difference.

Houston’s Three-Point Accuracy Was Better

Both teams made 13 three-pointers.

That is an important detail.

Houston did not win because it made more threes.

Instead, the Rockets made the same number of threes on fewer attempts.

Houston:

13-of-29
44.8%

Oklahoma City:

13-of-35
37.1%

The difference was six fewer attempts for Houston while still producing the same number of makes.

Chet Holmgren was responsible for much of Oklahoma City’s three-point efficiency, making six of eight. Houston, however, distributed its successful perimeter shooting among several contributors.

Turnovers Were Close, But Houston Still Had the Edge

Oklahoma City committed 15 turnovers.

Houston committed 13.

A two-turnover difference does not appear huge, but it mattered because Houston also produced 10 steals.

The Rockets generated defensive activity without giving the ball away as often as Oklahoma City.

That helped them protect their lead.

The Season Series Gives the Game More Context

The April result did not mean Houston dominated the entire season series.

Oklahoma City finished the regular-season series with a 3-2 advantage.

The five games were:

Game	Result
Nov. 9	Oklahoma City 126, Houston 107
Dec. 2	Houston 119, Oklahoma City 116
Dec. 15	Oklahoma City 111, Houston 96
Mar. 4	Oklahoma City 137, Houston 128
Apr. 5	Houston 125, Oklahoma City 111

This context matters because the April victory was a meaningful adjustment rather than proof that Houston had consistently controlled Oklahoma City throughout the season.

The Thunder won the series, but Houston won the final meeting convincingly.

What the Matchup Reveals About Houston

The game demonstrated several characteristics that made Houston difficult to handle.

Physical Interior Play

The Rockets dominated the glass.

Smith and Adams were especially important, combining for 29 rebounds.

Multiple Scoring Options

Green scored 34.

Sengun scored 31.

Thompson scored 16.

VanVleet added 13.

That gave Houston several reliable offensive contributors.

Defensive Activity

Houston recorded 10 steals and five blocks.

Thompson, Sengun, and Adams all contributed defensive statistics beyond basic scoring.

Composure After the Comeback

Oklahoma City reduced the deficit in the third quarter, but Houston did not collapse.

The Rockets responded in the fourth.

That ability to regain control is one of the most valuable takeaways from the game.

What the Matchup Reveals About Oklahoma City

The Thunder’s statistics also show why they remained dangerous despite the defeat.

Elite Individual Efficiency

Jalen Williams shot 61.9%.

Chet Holmgren shot 60%.

Hartenstein shot 88.9%.

Those are excellent individual numbers.

Strong Primary Playmaking

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded eight assists.

The Thunder finished with 24 assists overall.

Perimeter Shooting Potential

Holmgren’s six three-pointers demonstrated the spacing potential available to Oklahoma City.

The Main Problem Was Collective Execution

The Thunder’s issue was not that every player played poorly.

Several players performed extremely well.

The problem was that Houston won too many possession-level battles.

That distinction is important when evaluating team performance.

Which Players Had the Biggest Overall Impact?

If scoring alone determines the answer, Jalen Green was the obvious Houston choice and Jalen Williams was Oklahoma City’s.

But an impact-based evaluation produces a broader picture.

Houston

Jalen Green: 34 points, 5 assists, +15

Alperen Sengun: 31 points, 4 assists, 3 steals

Jabari Smith Jr.: 17 rebounds, +15

Amen Thompson: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, +11

Steven Adams: 12 rebounds, +7

Oklahoma City

Jalen Williams: 33 points, 4 assists

Chet Holmgren: 20 points, 6-of-8 from three, +3

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 22 points, 8 assists, 3 steals

Isaiah Hartenstein: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks

The key difference is that Houston’s supporting players produced a stronger collection of rebounding and two-way contributions.

A Closer Look at Plus/Minus

Plus/minus should never be treated as a perfect individual evaluation tool.

Still, it provides useful context when combined with the rest of the box score.

Houston’s leading marks included:

Jalen Green: +15
Jabari Smith Jr.: +15
Jae’Sean Tate: +14
Amen Thompson: +11
Fred VanVleet: +6
Steven Adams: +7

For Oklahoma City:

Chet Holmgren: +3
Isaiah Hartenstein: -12
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: -6
Jalen Williams: -13
Luguentz Dort: -6

Jalen Williams’ -13 should not erase his 33-point performance.

Likewise, Holmgren’s +3 should not automatically mean he was Oklahoma City’s most valuable player.

Plus/minus works best when used alongside efficiency, role, lineup context, and game flow.

Why the Final Score Does Not Tell the Whole Story

The final score says Houston won by 14.

The player statistics explain how.

Houston did not crush Oklahoma City in field-goal percentage.

Instead, it combined several advantages:

More rebounds
More free throws
Better three-point efficiency
Fewer turnovers
More steals
More fast-break points
Stronger second-half response

This is precisely why detailed player statistics are useful.

A box score becomes much more meaningful when the numbers are connected to possessions and tactical outcomes.

Historical Significance of the Victory

The victory ended Oklahoma City’s 11-game winning streak.

It also stopped the Thunder from reaching a potential 70-win season, according to the NBA’s postgame coverage.

For Houston, the win was significant because it showed that the Rockets could compete with the Western Conference’s top team when their physical identity was fully established.

The result was also particularly notable because Houston entered the game without Dillon Brooks, who was serving a one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul.

That makes Houston’s defensive and rebounding performance even more notable.

What Fans Should Look for in Future Matchups

When these teams meet again, several statistics deserve immediate attention.

Rebounding Margin

If Houston can again create a double-digit rebounding advantage, it can dramatically increase its possession count.

Free-Throw Attempts

Green and Sengun’s ability to attack and draw fouls can change the scoring profile of the game.

Oklahoma City’s Three-Point Volume

The Thunder can punish Houston if its perimeter shooters receive clean attempts.

SGA’s Playmaking

Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring is only part of his value. His eight-assist performance showed how important his passing is when Houston sends additional defensive attention.

Houston’s Supporting Cast

The Rockets become more dangerous when Thompson, Smith, Adams, and VanVleet contribute in multiple categories.

How to Read These Player Stats Properly

For readers searching for matchup statistics, it is tempting to sort the box score by points and stop there.

That approach misses much of the story.

A better process is:

Start with scoring.
Check shooting efficiency.
Compare free-throw volume.
Compare rebounding.
Look at assists and turnovers.
Check steals and blocks.
Review plus/minus cautiously.
Consider the game flow.
Compare the result with previous meetings.
Identify which players affected possessions beyond scoring.

This method produces a much stronger understanding of the game.

The Most Important Statistical Takeaways

The major numbers from this matchup can be condensed into a few conclusions.

Jalen Green was Houston’s scoring leader with 34 points.

Alperen Sengun added 31 points.

Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 33 points.

Chet Holmgren made six three-pointers.

Jabari Smith Jr. grabbed 17 rebounds.

Houston won the rebounding battle 48-33.

Houston made 22 free throws compared with Oklahoma City’s 12.

Both teams made 13 three-pointers, but Houston used fewer attempts.

Houston committed 13 turnovers compared with 15 for Oklahoma City.

The Rockets won 125-111.

Together, those numbers explain the result more effectively than the final score alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Rockets in scoring against the Thunder?

Jalen Green led Houston with 34 points. He shot 11-of-24 from the field and made 9-of-10 free throws.

Who led the Thunder in scoring?

Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 33 points on 13-of-21 shooting.

How many points did Alperen Sengun score?

Alperen Sengun scored 31 points, making 11 of his 21 field-goal attempts and nine of 12 free throws.

Who had the most rebounds in the game?

Jabari Smith Jr. led all players with 17 rebounds. Houston also received 12 rebounds from Steven Adams.

What was the final score?

Houston defeated Oklahoma City 125-111 at Toyota Center.

Who won the season series?

Oklahoma City won the regular-season series 3-2, despite Houston winning the final meeting 125-111.

Conclusion

The houston rockets vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from this April 2025 meeting provide a strong example of why NBA games should be evaluated through more than scoring totals.

Jalen Green’s 34 points and Alperen Sengun’s 31 points powered Houston’s offense, while Jalen Williams answered with 33 points for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren’s six three-pointers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s eight assists demonstrated that the Thunder had plenty of individual quality.

The decisive difference came from the collective numbers.

Houston collected 48 rebounds against Oklahoma City’s 33, made 22 free throws against 12, shot 44.8% from three, and committed two fewer turnovers. The Rockets also produced 10 steals and 19 fast-break points. Those advantages helped them withstand Oklahoma City’s third-quarter push and close the game with a 125-111 victory.

For anyone analyzing this matchup, the biggest lesson is that individual scoring and team control are not always the same thing. Oklahoma City had several highly efficient scorers, yet Houston consistently won the possession battle. That combination of rebounding, free-throw pressure, defensive activity, and timely offense ultimately determined the outcome.

The April meeting therefore stands as one of the clearest examples of Houston using physicality and balanced production to overcome one of the NBA’s strongest teams.