Alperen Sengun delivered another stellar performance on Monday night, posting 27 points and 17 rebounds to power the Houston Rockets to a decisive 107-92 victory over the Washington Wizards.
This was the second consecutive game in which Sengun scored 27 points, further solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Houston’s developing young core. With this win, the Rockets improved to 7-4, marking their best start through 11 games since the 2019-20 season.
Sengun was nearly unstoppable, shooting an efficient 12-for-19 from the field and adding three blocks on the defensive end. His ability to control the paint on both sides of the floor was a key factor in Houston’s dominant win, as the team established an early lead and maintained control throughout. Houston’s offense was well-rounded, with Jalen Green contributing 18 points, Amen Thompson adding 13, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Aaron Holiday each scoring 11.
The Rockets were without Fred VanVleet, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury that coach Ime Udoka described as day-to-day. In his absence, rookie Reed Sheppard and Holiday saw extended minutes, with Sheppard matching his career high by scoring seven points. Despite the absence of their star guard, the Rockets’ depth stepped up, showcasing the team’s resilience and adaptability.
Washington’s Kyle Kuzma returned to the lineup after a five-game absence due to a groin strain, leading the Wizards with 18 points on 7-for-18 shooting. However, his return wasn’t enough to lift the Wizards, who have now lost five consecutive games. Jordan Poole struggled to find his rhythm, scoring 11 points while committing eight turnovers, as the Wizards’ offense sputtered in the face of Houston’s physicality.
The Rockets’ defense was relentless, holding Washington to just 40 points in the first half as they entered the break with a commanding 55-40 lead. Houston’s dominance on the boards was also a key factor, as they outrebounded Washington 58-34. The Wizards have now failed to outrebound their opponents in each of their first nine games, a glaring weakness that continues to impact their ability to compete.
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A key takeaway for the Rockets was Sengun’s consistency, as he recorded back-to-back 20-point games for the first time this season. His offensive versatility and interior presence were crucial in last season’s breakout campaign, and his elevated play this year has been essential for Houston’s recent success. Getting Sengun involved early and often has proven to be a winning formula for the Rockets, especially with VanVleet temporarily out.
For the Wizards, rebounding woes continue to haunt them. Jonas Valanciunas led Washington’s efforts on the glass with eight rebounds off the bench, but it wasn’t nearly enough to keep pace with the Rockets. Rookie Alexandre Sarr, the second overall pick, contributed six rebounds, but the Wizards will need more consistency from their frontcourt to compete against physical teams like Houston.
A decisive moment came late in the second quarter when the Rockets went on a 10-0 run, turning a five-point lead into a 15-point cushion. This burst of offense helped Houston establish a comfortable lead that they never relinquished. Washington struggled to respond, and the Rockets maintained control through the second half, showcasing their growing poise and ability to close out games.
Free-throw disparity was another key stat, as the Wizards attempted only four free throws in the first half, making just one. They finished 9-for-13 from the line, both season lows, while the Rockets capitalized on their opportunities, going 22-for-25. This aggressiveness and efficiency at the line contributed to Houston’s ability to extend their lead and keep Washington at bay.
Next up, the Rockets will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, a matchup that will test their recent success as they face one of the Western Conference’s more experienced squads. With Sengun playing at an elite level and the Rockets’ defense stepping up, Houston is riding a wave of momentum that could make them a formidable opponent for the Clippers.
Meanwhile, the Wizards will travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs, hoping to snap their losing streak and address their issues on the boards. With Kuzma back in the lineup, Washington will look to regain their footing and find some consistency, especially on the defensive end and in the rebounding department.
Monday night’s win was a testament to Houston’s growth, as Sengun’s dominance and the Rockets’ team effort continue to build a foundation for future success. As the Rockets push forward with confidence and chemistry, they’re quickly emerging as a team to watch in the Western Conference, while the Wizards search for solutions in what has been a challenging start to their season.
