April 1st - The Rockets defeated the Knicks 111-94. Durant scored 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Sheppard added 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. For the Knicks, Towns scored 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Hart contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

In the first quarter, the Rockets built a double-digit lead thanks to Durant. The Knicks' offense was a bit slow to react, and although they responded with outside shots, they couldn't close the gap. At the end of the first quarter, the Rockets led 37-21. In the second quarter, the Knicks narrowed the gap to single digits. But the Rockets quickly regained their composure, with Sheppard and Durant combining for points to widen the gap again. At halftime, the Rockets led 63-50.

After switching sides, the Rockets relied on consecutive outside shots from Durant and Smith, while Shen Jing also scored inside, widening the gap to around 20 points again. At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets still led 92-72 . In the final quarter, although the Knicks tried to close the gap, they were unable to do so. The Rockets firmly controlled the game's tempo and secured the victory early. Ultimately, the Rockets defeated the Knicks 111-94 .

Knicks player statistics

Towns had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists; Hart had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Alvarado had 12 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists; Brunson had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists; Clarkson had 10 points and 2 rebounds; Anunoby had 8 points and 6 rebounds; Bridges had 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists; Robinson had 5 points and 5 rebounds.

Rockets player statistics

Durant 27 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists; Sheppard 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Thompson 17 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists; Ethan 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Smith 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Shen Jing 13 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists; Tate 2 points, 1 rebound; Okogie 1 assist; Capela 2 rebounds, 1 assist.

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