Houston Rockets Fall Short Against Timberwolves in Hard-Fought Battle

The Houston Rockets put together a determined performance on Friday night, but it wasn't enough to overcome a sharp Minnesota squad in a 112-104 loss at the Toyota Center in Houston. Despite a late push and stretches of impressive ball movement, the Rockets struggled to contain the Timberwolves' balanced scoring attack.

Houston came out aggressive, leaning on its young core to set the tone early. The Rockets executed well in transition, created quality looks from beyond the arc, and kept the game within reach for most of the night. But Minnesota answered each run with poised execution and timely shooting. As the fourth quarter wore on, the Wolves pulled away just enough to keep Houston at arm's length.

While the Rockets had several strong individual performances, the offense stalled during key stretches and defensive breakdowns proved costly. Minnesota capitalized on mismatches and second-chance scoring, forcing Houston to chase the game throughout the final minutes.

Why It Matters

Games like this highlight both the Rockets' potential and the growing pains of a young roster fighting to regain its identity in a competitive Western Conference. The effort was there, the energy was there, but sustained execution remains the hurdle.

Even in defeat, Houston fans have reasons to feel encouraged. The team continues to show stronger chemistry, better half‑court discipline, and far more defensive cohesion compared to earlier stretches of the season.

What’s Next

The Rockets will look to reset quickly as they prepare for their upcoming road matchup. With several winnable games ahead, Houston has an opportunity to build momentum and get back into the playoff conversation.

This article is a summary of reporting by Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Jan 16, 2026 Game Summary – NBA. Read the full story here.