The Houston Rockets faced a tough challenge in the NBA Cup semifinals, ultimately falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-96. Despite their strong start to the season, the Rockets struggled under pressure, showcasing poor shooting and a lack of offensive rhythm.

Key players like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Şengün acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of learning from this experience. The Rockets' defense held up, but their shooting woes highlighted the gap between them and the league's elite.