Rockets Defeat Short-Handed Hawks 104-86 in Clint Capela's Return to Atlanta

Houston center Clint Capela scores 10 points in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded to the Rockets in 2025.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The Houston Rockets defeated the short-handed Atlanta Hawks 104-86 on Thursday night, ending the Hawks' four-game winning streak. Houston center Clint Capela, who was traded from the Hawks to the Rockets in 2025, scored 10 points in his return to Atlanta. The Rockets dominated the second half after leading by just one point at halftime.

Why it matters

This game highlights the continued success of the Rockets, who have built a strong team around stars like Kevin Durant. It also showcases the challenges the Hawks are facing with several key players out due to injuries, underscoring the importance of depth in the NBA.

The details

Kevin Durant scored 31 points to lead the Rockets, while Jabari Smith had 14 points and Reed Sheppard added 13. The Hawks were missing several starters, including center Onyeka Okongwu, who suffered a dental fracture, and forward Jalen Johnson, who was ruled out with left calf tightness. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 23 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 20 and Corey Kispert added 17.

  • The Rockets outscored the Hawks 35-24 in the third quarter to pull away.
  • Clint Capela was honored with a video tribute during a first-quarter timeout in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded to the Rockets in July 2025.

The players

Kevin Durant

A star player for the Houston Rockets who scored 31 points in the game.

Clint Capela

The Houston Rockets center who scored 10 points in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded from the Hawks in 2025.

CJ McCollum

The leading scorer for the Atlanta Hawks, with 23 points in the game.

Onyeka Okongwu

The Atlanta Hawks center who suffered a dental fracture and missed the game.

Jalen Johnson

The Atlanta Hawks forward who was ruled out with left calf tightness and missed the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game showcases the Rockets' continued success and the Hawks' struggles with key injuries, underscoring the importance of depth in the NBA and the challenges teams face in maintaining competitiveness throughout the season.