MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Kevin Durant scored 30 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 126-120 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, extending Houston’s winning streak to four games.
Durant was relatively quiet in the first half with 10 points but took over after the break, scoring 20 in the second half, including 12 in the fourth quarter.
Houston received a major boost from Reed Sheppard, who came off the bench to score 20 points. Clint Capela added 7 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Rockets control key possessions down the stretch.
Minnesota had a chance to tie the game late. Trailing 123-120 with under a minute remaining, Anthony Edwards missed a potential game-tying three-pointer. Durant immediately answered on the other end with a driving layup to push Houston’s lead to five, and Jabari Smith Jr. added a free throw to put the game away.
Edwards led all scorers with 36 points, while Julius Randle recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds. Rudy Gobert added 20 points and 15 rebounds in a strong effort inside.
The game was tightly contested throughout. Houston carried a slim 57-56 lead into halftime before extending its advantage to 95-88 entering the fourth quarter. Minnesota won the final period 32-31, but the Rockets made the key plays late to preserve the victory.
With the win, Houston grabs a 1-0 series lead and steals home-court advantage as the teams prepare for Game 2 in Minneapolis.
