Thu Jan 23 03:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Rockets Edge Out Cavaliers in Thrilling 109-108 Finish
**Houston, TX** – The Houston Rockets snatched a dramatic 109-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night, fueled by late-game heroics and costly Cavalier mistakes. Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, spearheading a comeback from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
The game went down to the wire. With 4.5 seconds remaining, Alperen Sengun sank two crucial free throws, giving Houston a one-point lead. Cleveland’s Darius Garland, who also scored 26 points, was then fouled on a three-point attempt, earning three free throws with 2.1 seconds left. However, he missed the first two, leaving the door open for the Rockets. A final three-point attempt by Donovan Mitchell at the buzzer fell short.
The Cavaliers had mounted a significant 19-0 run to take a 104-98 lead with four minutes left, erasing Houston’s earlier advantage. VanVleet’s clutch three-pointers then tied the game, setting the stage for the nail-biting finish. The Rockets’ victory was further aided by the Cavaliers’ struggles at the free-throw line, missing six attempts, including Garland’s crucial misses.
Cleveland’s absence of Evan Mobley, sidelined for his third consecutive game with a calf injury, was felt on the boards, as Houston outrebounded the Cavaliers 53-45. The loss marks only the Cavaliers’ fifth road defeat this season.
The Rockets will need to address their tendency towards scoring droughts, a vulnerability exposed during Wednesday’s game. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will look to bounce back Friday against the 76ers before their rematch against Houston on Saturday.
First Piper 