HOUSTON – The Rockets’ star throughout the game was veteran guard Fred VanVleet, whose strong efficiency scored a season-high 38 points in Sunday’s 119-116 win over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder.

With the home win at Toyota Center, Houston (15-6) is only half a game behind Oklahoma City (15-5) and is in first place in the Western Conference standings.

But in the final minute, which began with a draw, it was veteran striker Dillon Brooks’ turn.

After VanVleet missed a potential go-ahead shot, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to secure the rebound before being tied up by Brooks for a jump ball. Both players, who happen to be friends from the Canadian men’s national basketball team, held the ball in their hands long after the final whistle blew, briefly leading to a scuffle between several other players.