The Alperen Sengun performance was the defining factor as the Houston Rockets secured a dominant 134-102 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night in New Orleans.
The standout center delivered an exceptional all-around game, finishing with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his growing influence in the league.
This Alperen Sengun masterclass helped Houston improve to 45-29, moving them into a tie for fifth place in the Western Conference alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves, just 1.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets.
Second Quarter Surge Seals the Game
The turning point in the game came during a dominant second quarter by the Rockets. Houston unleashed a massive 23-3 run, completely overwhelming the Pelicans and effectively putting the game out of reach early.
During this stretch, Alperen Sengun was unstoppable, scoring 14 points in the quarter alone, including three shots from beyond the arc. By halftime, the Rockets had built a commanding 68-47 lead, leaving little room for a Pelicans comeback.
Strong Supporting Cast Boosts Houston
While Alperen Sengun was the star of the night, he received strong support from his teammates. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each contributed 20 points, adding firepower to Houston’s offense.
Tari Eason chipped in with 15 points, helping maintain the team’s momentum throughout the game. The Rockets also excelled in key areas, including rebounding, where they dominated 59-36, and ball control, committing only six turnovers.
Pelicans Struggle Despite Individual Efforts
On the other side, the Pelicans faced another disappointing outing. Dejounte Murray led the team with 19 points, while Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey added 18 points each.
Derik Queen scored 13 points, and rookie Jeremiah Fears contributed 12 points along with five assists. Despite these efforts, the Pelicans struggled defensively and couldn’t contain Alperen Sengun and the Rockets’ offensive rhythm.
New Orleans, now 25-51, has lost 11 of their last 12 games, including three straight against Houston.
Consistent Dominance from Sengun
This performance marks another milestone in Alperen Sengun’s recent form. The talented center has now scored 30 or more points in three of his last four games, underlining his consistency and offensive growth.
Earlier in the week, Alperen Sengun recorded 33 points in a loss against the Chicago Bulls and followed it with 30 points in an overtime defeat to Minnesota. His current run highlights his importance to Houston’s playoff push.
Game Stats Highlight Houston’s Control
The Rockets maintained control throughout the second half, never allowing the Pelicans to close the gap. Key statistical advantages included:
- Rebounds: Houston 59, New Orleans 36
- Turnovers: Houston 6, New Orleans higher
- Three-point shooting: Led by Alperen Sengun’s 5-of-7 performance
Even though the Pelicans shot an impressive 52% in the first quarter, including five three-pointers, they couldn’t sustain that efficiency against Houston’s defense.
The game was a clear display of dominance led by Alperen Sengun, whose all-around brilliance powered the Houston Rockets to a convincing victory.
From scoring and rebounding to playmaking and defense, Sengun proved to be the difference-maker.
As the Rockets push toward the playoffs, performances like this from Alperen Sengun will be crucial in determining their postseason success.