Alperen Sengun delivered a standout performance for the Houston Rockets, scoring an NBA career-high 37 points and securing 11 rebounds in a narrow 106-104 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Sengun’s speed and agility were decisive against the veteran Jonas Valanciunas, leading to Valanciunas fouling out in the final minutes. Acknowledging Valanciunas’ strength, Sengun focused on exploiting his speed advantage, significantly impacting the game’s outcome.
“I’m not that strong, but I’m fast, and he’s not fast like me, so we were just attacking him,” Sengun said. “He got in foul trouble and that wasn’t good for them.”
Jabari Smith Jr. also played a crucial role for the Rockets, adding 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet contributed with 10 points. The Rockets’ physical defense and quick transitions posed continuous challenges for the Pelicans, highlighted by their 11-0 fast-break points advantage.
“You can tell he’s very confident getting to his spots using his size and length to rise up over guys,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “It’s only a matter of time that he gets to this level and does it on a consistent basis.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets, Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 28 points, primarily through powerful plays near the basket, while Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy contributed 19 and 14 points, respectively. However, turnovers and missed free throws, including five by Williamson, hindered the Pelicans’ performance. Coach Willie Green emphasized better execution and discipline in critical game moments.
“We’ve got to stop turning the ball over, and we’ve got to make free throws,” Green said. “It comes down to executing with force, with patience … and getting a quality look every time down the floor.”
The closely contested game saw no team leading by more than seven points throughout. New Orleans initially held a six-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but a surge from Houston’s reserves, including key plays from Aaron Holiday and Tari Eason, shifted the momentum.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets, Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Sengun expressed confidence in his growth and potential, emphasizing his commitment to improving and contributing to the team.
“I’m just like 21. So, I have a lot to go,” Sengun said. “I’m going to give my best every day on the court, fight, help my teammates, you know. If it’s my day, it’s my day.”
Williamson scored 18 of his points in the first half, including a rare 3-pointer, helping the Pelicans to a halftime lead. However, it was the Rockets who ultimately sealed the win.
“They definitely played more physical than us tonight,” Williamson said. “If the whole team do it, the ref ain’t going to call the foul on everybody. They collectively do it consistently. So, tonight, they were the tougher team.”
Looking ahead, the Rockets will host the Indiana Pacers, while the Pelicans are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies in their next matchups.
