NBA: Alperen Sengun puts up 39 points as Rockets top Pacers

Alperen Sengun matched his season high with 39 points and grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets secure a 118-114 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday in Indianapolis.

Sengun stepped up for Houston in the absence of Kevin Durant, who was a late scratch with a left ankle sprain. The Rockets center shot 13-for-25 from the field and 13-for-18 at the free-throw line. Even on a missed free throw, Sengun made a crucial play down the stretch.

With Houston leading 117-114 and eight seconds remaining, Isaiah Jackson fouled Sengun on a take foul. Sengun missed both free throws but tracked down the second rebound, cutting the remaining time on the clock and allowing Amen Thompson to go to the line. Thompson converted both shots to extend Houston’s lead to two possessions.

Thompson also recorded a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with seven assists. Tari Eason added another 10 rebounds, helping Houston dominate the boards with a 56-33 advantage.

Despite Houston’s control of the glass, Indiana stayed close by creating turnovers. The Pacers forced 16 Houston giveaways, turning them into 26 points—an 18-point advantage over the Rockets’ 10 points off Pacers turnovers. Jackson had two of his four steals late in the game, leading to baskets by Bennedict Mathurin, who scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 27 points, while Aaron Nesmith added 17. Andrew Nembhard finished with eight assists and seven points.

The Rockets extended their winning streak to three games, claiming five victories in their last six outings. Indiana’s two-game winning streak ended as the Pacers fell to 2-1 on their four-game homestand.

—Field Level Media/Reuters