The Houston Rockets put on an absolute clinic Sunday night, routing the Chicago Bulls 143-107 to extend their winning streak to five games.
Fred VanVleet led the charge with a season-high 28 points, but it was Alperen Sengun who stole the show with a remarkable triple-double — 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. This marked Sengun’s second triple-double of the season, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s rising stars. With a dominant team effort, the Rockets steamrolled past the Bulls, who had no answers for Houston’s blistering offense and suffocating defense.
The Rockets shot a blistering 52.4% from the field (55 of 105), their most efficient outing of the season, and set a new high-water mark for points scored this year with 143 — surpassing their previous season-best of 128. Jalen Green chipped in 18 points, and Amen Thompson, playing despite right quad soreness, added a solid 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. As a unit, the Rockets showcased their depth, with all five starters reaching double figures.
From the opening tip, Houston made their presence felt in the paint, dominating both ends of the floor. The Rockets grabbed 66 rebounds compared to just 47 for the Bulls, underscoring their superior physicality and hustle. Sengun and Thompson were particularly effective on the glass, as the Rockets controlled the boards from start to finish.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Chicago struggled to keep up with Houston’s offensive firepower. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 15 points, while Talen Horton-Tucker added 12 off the bench, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Chicago’s shooting was abysmal, as they managed just 33.6% (36 of 107) from the field. The Rockets were relentless in pushing the pace and hitting shots from every spot on the floor, leading to a staggering 143-point total, the most ever allowed by the Bulls to Houston.
After a slow start, the Rockets found their rhythm and never looked back. A pivotal moment in the game came in the second quarter when LaVine’s free throws tied the game at 36, but Houston responded with a 32-16 run to take control. By halftime, the Rockets had built a commanding 68-52 lead. In the third quarter, they further asserted their dominance, beginning with an 11-0 run to start the period and cruising to a 108-78 advantage after 36 minutes of play.
One of the most striking aspects of the Rockets’ performance was their second-quarter explosion. They set a new season-high for points in a quarter, outscoring the Bulls 41-26. They followed that up with another dominant period in the third, posting 40 points and essentially putting the game out of reach. It was clear that the Bulls simply couldn’t keep pace with Houston’s offensive onslaught.
Sengun’s all-around brilliance was on full display in this game. His second triple-double of the season highlights his growing importance to this Rockets team. Whether it was setting up teammates or controlling the glass, Sengun played a central role in both the offense and defense. VanVleet also showed his veteran leadership, facilitating the offense and knocking down timely shots to keep the Bulls at bay.
The Rockets’ victory also highlighted their growing chemistry and cohesion on both ends of the floor. They have now improved to 8-2 when outrebounding their opponents, and their ability to control the glass is quickly becoming a hallmark of their success. As they continue to build on this streak, Houston’s offensive firepower and defensive tenacity make them a team to watch in the Western Conference.
For the Bulls, this loss serves as a painful reminder of their struggles on both ends of the floor. Their inability to contain Houston in the paint and their poor shooting efficiency were major factors in the blowout defeat. Chicago has now dropped two straight games and three of their last four, leaving them searching for answers as they prepare for the next challenge.
The key moment in the game came during that explosive second quarter, where the Rockets turned a close game into a comfortable lead. VanVleet and Sengun were instrumental in orchestrating the offensive attack, and Houston capitalized on every opportunity to build momentum. From there, the Rockets never looked back, cruising to a dominant 143-107 victory.
Takeaways:
- Rockets: Houston’s depth was on full display as all five starters reached double figures and the team set new season highs in both points and shooting efficiency.
- Bulls: Chicago’s defense was porous, and their shooting struggles plagued them throughout the game. The Rockets’ dominance in the paint proved to be the difference-maker.
Key Stats:
- Fred VanVleet: 28 points, 7 assists
- Alperen Sengun: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists (triple-double)
- Jalen Green: 18 points
- Amen Thompson: 16 points, 11 rebounds
- Zach LaVine (Bulls): 15 points
- Talen Horton-Tucker (Bulls): 12 points
The Rockets will look to keep their momentum rolling when they travel to Milwaukee on Monday, while the Bulls will aim to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons in their next game.