FINAL: Rockets 121, Hawks 114. No VanVleet or Smart but Rockets keep the streak going, improve to 3-0. 1) Reed Sheppard really stepped up in the start, hitting 5-11 from deep for 19 points, 7 assists, 6 boards, +19. Great bounceback after the opener. He was the X-factor. 2) Rockets depth is their biggest strength right now -- even with three keys guys out, they had seven players in double figures by late third. Five players finished with 17+ 3) Atlanta broadcast just raved about Amen Thompson's impact, defensive pressure, rebounding presence. Hawks at times seemed afraid to shoot near him. He also hit 9-9 from the line tonight. 4) Very messy close where Rockets looked like the 2025-26 version -- turning it over, can't inbound the ball, etc. Fred can likely ask for a blank check at this point.

Just watching the Rockets try to close this game without Fred VanVleet reminds you of all 82 games last year.

How much do these Rockets like each other?

Reed Sheppard: Offensive Glass Machine

Sengun with a monster left-handed tomahawk slam!

I don't know if it's a fluke or a sign of great defense (probably somewhere in between), but teams have struggled so far to hit threes against the Rockets. Atlanta just 5-22 (22.7%) from long range in the first half. Mavs (28.9%) and Spurs (32.4%) also inefficient.

KD just shakes off Lu Dort with a cross, hits the mid-range -- and draws the foul

Jabari Smith Jr with the bailout block from behind, setting up Kevin Durant for three.

Come join @BenDuBose and me at 11:00am CT as we talk about last night's huge win over the Spurs -- Amen's legendary block, Sengun's strong fourth and the impact of having Fred & Marcus Smart to organize this squad. youtube.com/watch?v=q4cmWLmg…

FINAL: Rockets 114, Spurs 110. This was a very impressive win by the Rockets, now 2-0. 1) Sengun (29 points) physically dominated both Kornet and Wemby in the fourth. He had struggled with Wemby most of the game and then bullied him when the Rockets needed points. He was the difference in the fourth. 2) Huge three-pointer by KD late. 3) Second straight game where Amen and Sengun hit threes. Too early to tell but it's a gamechanger if teams have to respect them outside of 5-8 feet. 4) Having Fred VanVleet back makes all the difference, but Marcus Smart is looking like a huge addition for when Fred is out. Fred still has yet to turn the ball over (16 assists, 0 turnovers) 5) The block by Amen, on a freakish alien going for the tie at the buzzer, was an all-time highlight.

Amen Thompson wins it with his defense -- stuffing Wemby at the buzzer. Wow!

FINAL: Rockets 128, Mavericks 110. KD, Jabari lead the way with 30 points each. Sengun, Amen both strong, efficient and hit threes (!). I'll be live with @BenDuBose at 10:30 pm CT to discuss everything about the season opener. youtube.com/watch?v=ZIvTlZbl…

This game is honestly one of the biggest beatdowns I can remember. Rockets are running all over the Mavericks (29-3 in fast break points) and are up by 37. Jabari, KD, Sengun, Amen all playing flawlessly.

Sengun back in the game, appears fine.