Rockets clinch first playoff spot in five years, win Southwest Division

The Rockets secured their 50th win of the season with a dominant 143-105 victory over the Jazz on Wednesday, clinching a top-six playoff seed in the Western Conference and capturing the Southwest Division title.

In a game where no starter played more than 29 minutes, shooting guard Jalen Green led the way with 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting. All-Star center Alperen Sengun and reserve forward Jabari Smith Jr. each recorded double-doubles, with Sengun finishing with 15 points and 14 rebounds, just one assist shy of a triple-double. Smith also contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds in the win.

However, the Rockets’ night wasn’t without incident. Starting wing Dillon Brooks received his 16th technical foul of the season for kicking Utah guard Collin Sexton in an unintentional area, earning an automatic one-game suspension unless the foul is rescinded.

This victory marks the Rockets’ return to the postseason for the first time in five years.  Under head coach Ime Udoka, Houston’s roster has a new look, with young players such as Sengun, Green, Smith, Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson poised for their first playoff experience. They will be supported by veteran players like Brooks and Fred VanVleet as the team prepares for postseason competition.

As of now, the Rockets hold the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. With only six games separating them from the No. 8 seed Los Angeles Clippers, Houston is positioned well ahead of contenders such as the Denver Nuggets (47-29) and Los Angeles Lakers (45-29), who trail by 2.5 and three games, respectively.

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