Thunder fall to Rockets in close 112-106 loss

Chet Holmgren's double-double not enough as Rockets prevail

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder were unable to overcome the Houston Rockets, falling 112-106 in a close game on Saturday. Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Cason Wallace added 23 points and four steals. However, the Rockets were paced by Alperen Sengun's triple-double and strong performances from Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr.

Why it matters

This loss drops the Thunder further down the Western Conference standings, making their path to the playoffs more difficult. The team has been hit hard by injuries, missing key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. The game highlighted the Thunder's need to develop more consistent scoring options beyond Holmgren.

The details

The Thunder kept the game close throughout, but were unable to overcome the Rockets' balanced scoring attack. Sengun recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, while Eason scored a team-high 26 points and Smith added 22 points and 10 rebounds. For the Thunder, Wallace had an impressive performance with 23 points and four steals, but the team's lack of firepower proved to be the difference.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Chet Holmgren

A 20-year-old power forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who had 17 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

Cason Wallace

A 22-year-old guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who scored 23 points and had 4 steals.

Alperen Sengun

A 21-year-old center for the Houston Rockets who recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

Tari Eason

A 22-year-old forward for the Houston Rockets who scored a team-high 26 points.

Jabari Smith Jr.

A 21-year-old forward for the Houston Rockets who had 22 points and 10 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We have to find a way to get more consistent scoring from our whole team. Chet and Cason played well, but we need more contributions across the board.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Thunder will look to bounce back in their next game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 10th.

The takeaway

The Thunder's loss to the Rockets highlights the team's need to develop more scoring options beyond Chet Holmgren as they continue to navigate a challenging season marked by key injuries. The team will need to find a way to generate more consistent offense if they hope to make a push for the playoffs.