The Highest Points Scored Against the Houston Rockets in NBA History
Feb 5, 2026
Since joining the NBA in 1967, the Houston Rockets have witnessed some of basketball's most explosive offensive performances. From the high-octane 1980s to the modern three-point era, some of the league's greatest scorers have left their mark on the franchise with highlight-worthy efforts.
1. Damian Lillard - 71 Points
On February 26, 2023, Damian Lillard delivered an all-time performance at the Toyota Center. The Portland Trail Blazers guard erupted for 71 points on 22-of-38 shooting, including 13-of-22 from three-point range and a perfect 14-of-14 from the free throw line. The Blazers won 131–114, with Lillard scoring 41 points in the second half alone. His 71-point explosion tied for the eighth-highest scoring game in NBA history and marked the most points scored in a road game since Wilt Chamberlain's era.
2. Allen Iverson - 58 Points
"The Answer" took over at the First Union Center on January 15, 2002, finishing with 58 points in a thrilling 112–106 overtime victory. Iverson scored 37 points over the final two quarters and overtime, including 7 straight late in regulation to force the extra period. He shot 50% from the field (21-for-42) and an unblemished fourteen free throws, while adding 6 assists and 2 steals in one of the most memorable performances in 76ers history.
3. Alex English - 54 Points
Denver Nuggets legend Alex English torched the Rockets for 54 points on November 19, 1985. As the Nuggets and Rockets battled for second place in the Western Conference, the silky-smooth forward showcased his complete offensive arsenal in Doug Moe's high-octane system, demonstrating the consistency that made him the NBA's leading scorer throughout the 1980s. English’s game-high scoring barrage came off 21-for-30 shots and a perfect 12-for-12 from the line as the Nuggets outscored the Rockets 127–113 in this early-season matchup.
4. Kobe Bryant - 53 Points
The Black Mamba struck the Rockets twice with 53-point performances, the first on December 15, 2006, and the follow-up later that same season on March 30, 2007. The first of his 53-point games resulted in a 112–101 double overtime victory as the Black Mamba carried an underwhelming roster. The Rockets won the rematch three months later, 107–104, in another overtime affair, as the Lakers struggled to match the Rockets' All-Star duo of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.
5. Dirk Nowitzki - 53 Points
The Dallas Mavericks All-NBA forward engaged in an epic scoring duel with Tracy McGrady on December 2, 2004, finishing with a career-high 53 points to McGrady's 48 in a 113–106 overtime thriller. Neither star had much help in this Western Conference battle as Nowitzki added 16 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 steals, and 2 assists in an all-around effort on both ends of the court.
