Durant Dominates as Rockets Beat Bulls 119-113

Rockets rally late to overcome 35 lead changes in thrilling finish

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the raw energy and intensity of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls.The Rockets' late-game surge and Durant's decisive dunk encapsulate the thrilling back-and-forth of this high-scoring NBA clash.Chicago Today

The Houston Rockets defeated the Chicago Bulls 119-113 in a nail-biter that featured 35 lead changes. Rockets star Kevin Durant led the way with 28 points, while Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 assists. The game came down to the final minutes, with the Rockets going on a crucial 7-2 run to take the lead for good.

Why it matters

This game showcased the high level of competitiveness in the NBA, with both teams battling back and forth throughout. The Rockets' victory snapped their three-game losing streak and demonstrated their ability to win close games, while the Bulls' Tre Jones had a career-high 34 points in a losing effort.

The details

The Rockets trailed by 1 point with just over 3 minutes remaining, but then went on a 7-2 run, with Durant's dunk igniting the comeback. Jabari Smith Jr. added a 3-pointer, and the Rockets took a 2-point lead. Tre Jones tried to keep the Bulls in it with a layup, but Smith's jumper and 3-pointer extended the Rockets' lead to 7 points with under 90 seconds remaining. Kevin Huerter kept the Bulls in the game with a layup, but Durant's dunk sealed the deal for Houston.

  • The game was played on April 12, 2026.
  • The Rockets trailed by 1 point with just over 3 minutes remaining.

The players

Kevin Durant

The star player for the Houston Rockets, who scored 28 points and made a crucial dunk to seal the victory.

Alperen Sengun

The Rockets' center, who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 assists.

Tre Jones

The Chicago Bulls' guard, who had a career-high 34 points in the losing effort.

Jabari Smith Jr.

The Rockets' forward, who hit a 3-pointer and a jumper to extend their lead in the final minutes.

Kevin Huerter

The Bulls' guard, who kept his team in the game with a layup late in the fourth quarter.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but the guys really stepped up when it mattered most. Kevin's dunk was the exclamation point on a great team effort.”

— Stephen Silas, Rockets Head Coach

What’s next

The Bulls will look to bounce back when they take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Rockets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.

The takeaway

This game showcased the high level of competitiveness in the NBA, with both teams battling back and forth throughout. The Rockets' ability to rally late and secure the victory demonstrates their resilience and ability to win close games, while the Bulls' Tre Jones' career-high performance shows the depth of talent in the league.