Alperen Sengun delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, leading the Houston Rockets to a hard-fought 117-111 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Cup clash on Tuesday night.
The win not only kept Houston’s perfect 3-0 record intact in West Group A but also secured their spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Fred VanVleet showcased his veteran poise, finishing with 27 points and 11 assists, while Dillon Brooks contributed 22 points, helping Houston maintain their early season momentum. The Rockets’ defense once again proved pivotal, racking up 12 steals, nine blocks, and forcing 17 Timberwolves turnovers that resulted in 16 crucial points.
On the other side, Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 29 points and 10 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to snap the Timberwolves’ three-game losing streak. Julius Randle chipped in 21 points, while Naz Reid provided a spark off the bench with 19 points. Despite the loss, Minnesota’s performance showed resilience after back-to-back defeats and a narrow win over Phoenix.
A key storyline for the Timberwolves was the emergence of rookie Rob Dillingham. The No. 8 overall pick out of Kentucky had his best outing of the season, stepping up in the absence of Mike Conley, who missed his third straight game with a left great toe sprain. Dillingham finished with 12 points, a season-high seven assists, and five rebounds, giving Minnesota much-needed energy in the backcourt.
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The pivotal moment of the game came in the final seconds of regulation. With the score tied and just 15 seconds remaining, Sengun drove to the basket for a potential game-winning layup. However, Rudy Gobert came across for a clutch block, sending the game into overtime after Edwards’ jumper on the other end missed its mark.
In overtime, Houston’s experience and defensive prowess took over. Sengun controlled the tempo, VanVleet knocked down critical free throws, and Brooks hit a key jumper to help the Rockets outscore Minnesota 11-5 in the extra period.
Houston’s shooting from beyond the arc played a significant role in building their lead, especially in the first half, where they connected on 10 of 18 three-point attempts. Overall, the Rockets shot 15 of 37 from deep, a testament to their offensive balance and perimeter efficiency.
Minnesota, despite the loss, showed flashes of improvement. Edwards continued to establish himself as a primary offensive threat, while Randle and Reid provided steady scoring support. However, turnovers and missed opportunities in clutch moments ultimately doomed their comeback bid.
The win highlights the Rockets’ growth as a young team ready to compete on a larger stage. Their defensive intensity, combined with Sengun’s versatility and VanVleet’s leadership, has propelled them into early contention in the NBA Cup and positioned them as a rising force in the Western Conference.
Up next, both teams face quick turnarounds. Houston travels to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Wednesday night, looking to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves stay home to host the Sacramento Kings, aiming to snap their skid and get back on track in both the NBA Cup and the regular season.
As the Rockets continue to evolve, their blend of youthful talent and veteran leadership makes them a team to watch in the West, with Sengun’s breakout performances leading the charge.
