The Houston Rockets extended their undefeated season to 5-0 with a commanding 132-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, powered by a resurgent Fred VanVleet and a dynamic Amen Thompson. Playing without leading scorer Alperen Sengun, who sat out with low back soreness, the Rockets relied heavily on their perimeter guards to dismantle the Bucks’ defense. VanVleet, returning from a torn ACL that sidelined him for all of last season, delivered a masterclass with 24 points, hitting 7 of 14 shots including 4 of 9 from deep. His impact was most evident midway through the third quarter, where he scored 15 consecutive points to stretch the lead to 81-61, effectively ending any competitive threat from Milwaukee.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Amen Thompson matched VanVleet’s scoring output with 23 points on efficient 10-of-16 shooting, anchoring a Rockets offense that shot a blistering 54.8% from the field. The team’s dominance was established early, as they outscored the Bucks 34-14 in the second quarter to secure a 57-35 halftime lead. Supporting the backcourt, Kevin Durant contributed 18 points while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 in just 15 minutes off the bench. Houston’s discipline at the line was equally impressive, converting 23 of 26 free-throw attempts to maintain their offensive rhythm throughout the rout.
For the Bucks (1-4), the loss highlighted their struggles against high-tempo opponents, with Tyler Herro leading the team in scoring with 23 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 19. Despite their efforts, Milwaukee could not contain Houston’s balanced attack, which featured multiple players in double figures. The victory cements Houston’s status as a top contender in the Western Conference, showcasing their depth and ability to perform at an elite level even without their primary interior scorer. As the Rockets continue their perfect start, the synergy between VanVleet and Thompson signals a new era of offensive firepower for the franchise.
Source: Yahoo Sports
