The Houston Rockets’ eight-game winning streak came to a screeching halt on Friday night as the Minnesota Timberwolves came into the Toyota Center, the Rockets’ home, and stole a 136-132 victory. The game was a highly entertaining contest that saw the Rockets receive stellar outings across the board.
So much so that it is a bit of a surprise that they ultimately lost.
Apr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Thompson’s Breakout: A Career-High 41 Points
Rockets standout wing Amen Thompson had the game of his life, quite literally, to the tune of 41 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two offensive rebounds. Thompson also went a perfect 7-of-7 from the foul line and 17-of-22 from the floor, turning in a highly efficient 81.7 percent true shooting—which was a team-best.
It was the kind of performance that has been brewing for months. Thompson has shown flashes of stardom throughout the season, but Friday night was his official coming-out party. He was aggressive, efficient, and unstoppable. The Timberwolves had no answer for him.
The Trio’s Dominance: 96 Points on 40-of-53 Shooting
Alperen Sengun also had 22 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Sengun was also efficient, going 10-of-13 from the field, 100 percent from the foul line, and posting a 79.3 percent true shooting mark.
Kevin Durant poured in 33 points, in addition to seven rebounds and seven assists, while also recording two blocks. Like Thompson and Sengun, Durant was also incredibly efficient, going 13-of-18 from the field, with 75.1 percent true shooting and 72.2 percent effective shooting.
All told, the trio of Thompson, Sengun, and Durant combined for 96 points on 40-of-53 shooting. Again, one would expect the Rockets to win when receiving that type of performance from those three.
Not to mention Jabari Smith Jr.’s contributions, as he also poured in 16 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, although his efficiency was not nearly as great as the other three in this game. It was actually several notches lower.
The Difference: One Stop Short
So how did the Rockets lose? The answer is simple: they could not get enough stops. The Timberwolves scored 136 points on the road against a Rockets team that has prided itself on defense all season.
Anthony Edwards led the way for Minnesota with 22 points, going 7-of-14 from the field, 3-of-7 from long range, and 5-of-6 from the foul line. He also added three assists and two rebounds, while making a deciding three-point shot that essentially sealed the victory for the Wolves.
The Rockets had no answer for Edwards down the stretch, and their own defensive lapses allowed Minnesota to stay within striking distance all night.
The Light-Hearted Moment: Durant Trolls Edwards on Jersey Swap
After the game, Durant trolled Minnesota Timberwolves superstar guard Anthony Edwards in a light-hearted moment as Edwards was requesting a jersey swap from Durant, which Durant declined.
Edwards explained: “I was telling him to let me get his jersey. I got a couple of them. I want another one, though.”
Durant told Edwards that he had gained too much weight. “You’re putting on all that g—— weight.”
Edwards responded: “Nah, I lost it, bro. I got up to 230.”
The exchange was captured on video and quickly went viral. It was a moment of mutual respect between two of the game’s best scorers, disguised as trash talk.
Durant has been a mentor to Edwards for years, and their relationship has always been characterized by playful banter. This was no different.
What’s Next: The Regular Season Finale
The Rockets are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, which will be the final game of the regular season. Houston has already clinched the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, so the game has no playoff implications.
But the Rockets will want to close out the regular season on a positive note after Friday’s disappointing loss. They will also want to build momentum heading into the playoffs, where they will face either the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.
The Verdict: A Glimpse of the Future
Friday night was a reminder of how good the Rockets can be when their young core fires on all cylinders. Thompson looked like a superstar. Sengun was his usual efficient self. Durant was Durant.
But it was also a reminder that defense wins games. The Rockets scored 132 points and still lost. That does not happen often.
As the playoffs approach, the Rockets will need to tighten up on the defensive end if they want to make a deep run. The offense is there. The stars are there. But without stops, none of it matters.
Thompson’s 41-point masterpiece will be remembered as a breakout moment. But he would trade it for a win any day. And that is the mentality that will make him a star in this league for years to come.