On February 7, 2026, the Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought 112-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite the absence of star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Tari Eason led the Rockets with a season-high 26 points, while Alperen Sengun contributed a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jabari Smith Jr. added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Kevin Durant scored 20 points. For the Thunder, Cason Wallace scored 23 points, and Isaiah Joe added 21. Oklahoma City was without its reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is recovering from an abdominal strain and will be out until after the All-Star break. The Thunder also lacked 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams and rising star Ajay Mitchell. Jared McCain made his debut with the Thunder, entering late in the first quarter to a warm reception from the crowd. Despite the boos from some Oklahoma City fans, Durant's free-throw shooting was off, missing two in the second quarter after being fouled. McCain scored his first basket for the Thunder in the second quarter, and an alley-oop from Joe to Wallace gave the Thunder a 46-32 lead. Oklahoma City led 52-46 at halftime, with Chet Holmgren contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds. Houston dominated the third quarter, leading 80-74 heading into the fourth. Durant's short jumper gave the Rockets a 107-101 lead with over a minute remaining. The Rockets will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, while the Thunder will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
