Kevin Durant’s 35 points lift Rockets past Hornets 105-101 in tight finish at Spectrum Center

Durant closes with late free throws as Houston opens post-break stretch with road win

CHARLOTTE — Kevin Durant scored 35 points and delivered the final margin at the free-throw line as the Houston Rockets held off the Charlotte Hornets, 105-101, on Thursday night at Spectrum Center.

Durant’s last points came on two free throws with 3.2 seconds remaining after Charlotte pulled within two on a late three-pointer. Houston’s possession before that featured a late-clock Durant basket that helped preserve the lead in the closing minute.

How the game turned

Charlotte controlled the early tempo and built an 11-point advantage in the first half. Houston responded over the middle quarters and, in the fourth, created separation with a five-minute stretch that pushed the Rockets to their largest lead at 95-84. Charlotte answered with late shooting to keep the game in reach, but could not take the lead back in the final seconds.

• Final score: Rockets 105, Hornets 101
• Houston overcame an 11-point first-half deficit
• Durant scored 10 points in the fourth quarter

Key performers

Durant shot 14-of-20 from the field, hitting 2-of-4 from three-point range and all five free throws. He added eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal in 36 minutes. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 15 points for Houston, while Reed Sheppard and Alperen Şengün each finished with 13.

For Charlotte, Grant Williams led with 20 points. Brandon Miller scored 17 points but made 1-of-12 three-point attempts. LaMelo Ball posted 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Ball played one day after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte.

What it means for both teams

The result marked a road win to begin the post–All-Star break schedule for Houston, which relied heavily on Durant in a game where only two other starters reached double figures. The Hornets, who entered the break on a strong run, generated enough late offense to pressure Houston but did not convert the final defensive stands into a go-ahead possession.

Durant’s final two free throws with 3.2 seconds left restored a four-point margin and effectively ended the comeback attempt.

Next games

• Rockets: at New York on Saturday night
• Hornets: host Cleveland on Friday night