Houston Rockets’ Filipino Heritage Night 2025
The Houston Rockets celebrated Filipino Heritage Night against the Utah Jazz on April 2, 2025. Jalen Green who plays for the Rockets, and Jordan Clarkson who plays for the Utah Jazz, both have Filipino blood and it was nice for the NBA to pay tribute to our roots. Unfortunately, Jordan Clarkson was out for an injury and didn’t get a chance to play, for a Filipino face-off on the court.
Filipino Heritage Month Celebrations
What was nice about this game was also the free Filipino-themed jersey they gave away for every ticket purchase. We arrived at Toyota Center at 5:50 pm, with the lines already to the street. The jersey redemption was inside the arena which was swarmed by attendees. It felt like home for a minute. Seeing people wear our flag-themed jersey, hearing them talk in Filipino, smiling at the camaraderie, and celebrating a night for a game we all enjoy felt like home. The Philippines is big on basketball. We were practically raised with a ball or a game on the TV.
The half time show was nice to watch. The Filipino Young Professionals of Houston gave a stunning performance of Filipino dance ‘tinikling’. It was a proud moment to showcase our culture to the world.
The Rockets didn’t disappoint on their home court. It was an electrifying show where they absolutely dominated the Utah Jazz. Seriously, if you missed it, just imagine fireworks, cheers, and a whole lot of slam dunks
Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks Steal the Show
Leading the charge for the Rockets was Jalen Green, who proudly sported his Filipino-inspired shoes. I knew he was going to step up big this game but man, his form, jumps, and scoring a game-high 22 points. He seemed virtually unstoppable, weaving through the Jazz defense with ease, showing off his shooting prowess and agility. Not far behind was Dillon Brooks, who added 21 points to the scoreboard, offering a dynamic presence that kept the Jazz on their toes throughout the night. DB started in hot with his threes, then his 16th T for the season. Woops.
Houston's offensive onslaught was unrelenting, and it was clear they had every intention of clinching their playoff spot with style. This game also marked their 50th win of the season, solidifying their status as a formidable force in the league. Funny and surprising to some who doubted the team would win 50 games this conference, but if you’ve followed the team from the Chris Wood era, this is a long time coming. Who remembers that losing streak that gave heartaches time and time again? Now, we celebrate!
Rockets’ Dominance
The Rockets took control from the tip-off, setting a pace that the Jazz simply couldn't match. Every quarter saw Houston increasing their lead, with the second half turning into a showcase of their depth and skill. The Rockets' bench contributed significantly, displaying the kind of depth that signals a team ready for deep playoff contention. Sheppard Reed came off hot, shooting back to back threes. The arena started chanting REEEEED while I chanted THREEED! Even Aaron Holiday, Cam Whitmore, and Tate scored double points off the bench. Jeff Green and Nate Williams also added points to the scoreboard with less than 5 minutes of play. Jabari & Alpi were out of this world with their double-double performance.
Funny story… my husband isn’t a basketball fan nor he knows the rules of the game. I had to explain to him what double-double meant, why it’s a foul. what the calls were, who the players are. Every time Jalen shoots or steals, I proudly giggled and tell him he is Filipino!
The Rockets’ defense was also impressive, stifling the Jazz's attempts to gain any momentum. The Jazz, unfortunately, continued their challenging season, struggling to keep pace with the Rockets' performance.
Southwestern Conference Champions & Playoffs Bound!
For the Rockets, this victory is more than just a win. After 4 years, we are back in the playoffs and we are hailed the Southwestern Conference Champions. The playoffs are coming to H-Town, woot woot! That game was a statement of the team’s hardwork and perseverance, striding through the haters’ comments & doubts. It also signals to the rest of the league that they are a team to watch out for as the playoffs loom.
A game like that with a huge lead, shows the depth of our bench and how we need to be consistent throughout the game. I watched the tight games against different teams this season, and we need a closer and not flail when the score is too close to call. The last remaining games before the playoffs are gonna be tough, with #1 seed OKC, followed by the Warriors after their big victory against the Lakers, and the Lakers. I was already analyzing the team we will play in the playoffs, and the team needs consistency and support. Now based in Houston, I am giving my all in support to this team.
As much as I already eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in the postseason, I can’t wait on how the playoffs are gonna pan out and hopefully, we seal the deal and be NBA champs. Witnessing such a commanding performance is a reminder of the Rockets' potential and the exciting path they are carving out this season. Celebrating Filipino Night, Rockets winning against the Jazz, Rockets winning Southwestern Conference title, and clinching the playoffs = Quadruple Win for me and I can’t wait for more!
About Me
Hi! I’m a seasoned expert in sports marketing, wielding over 12 years of experience across the dynamic Asia Pacific region. Known for a knack for storytelling and brand-building, I have worked alongside big sports brands such as Nike, UnderArmour, and led the social space in bringing icons like Steph Curry and LeBron James to the Philippines for campaigns that captivate and engage audiences. With a strategic yet human-centric approach, I’m dedicated to elevating brands by fostering genuine connections between fans and their favorite sports. My commitment to creativity and results ensures that each project not only meets but exceeds expectations, and gives back to who matters most — the fans.
Read about my sports portfolio here.