Sources: Maxey clears protocol; back vs. Knicks

The Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-116 on Sunday to pull within a half-game of first place in the Western Conference. The Rockets are 15-6 and avenged a 126-107 loss to the Thunder in early November. The two teams are atop the West standings and are also the NBA’s two highest-ranked defenses.

“I wouldn’t say a statement [win],” Ime Udoka said. “It just shows growth on our part. … Just we’re building on last year — the mindset of who we want to be going forward.”

The Rockets made a 19-win improvement to go .500 last season and are on their way to achieving Udoka’s goal of reaching the playoffs.

“The foundation that we’re laying, it’s easy to see it when you’re just competing,” Fred VanVleet told ESPN. “But to see wins against good teams at different stages of the season, it’s a good sign that what we’re doing is working. We’re getting better.”