HOUSTON – Alperen Sengun’s impressive 30-point performance, combined with Fred VanVleet’s 21 points and 10 assists, led the Houston Rockets to a solid 112-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Sengun, who has been on a scoring spree with seven consecutive games over 20 points, showcased his offensive prowess by shooting efficiently from both the field and the free-throw line, while also grabbing eight rebounds. His role as a focal point in the Rockets’ offense was evident, with Sengun noting the team’s trust in him and his efforts to maximize scoring opportunities.
VanVleet’s sharpshooting was another highlight, as he drained 6-of-8 attempts from 3-point range. Houston’s overall 3-point shooting was a key factor in their win, finishing 19 of 39 from distance.
The Nets, facing a tough stretch, suffered their fifth consecutive loss and tenth in the last twelve games, dropping their season record to 15-20. Nets coach Jacque Vaughn emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and believing in the team’s ability to overcome this challenging phase.
Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson each scored 15 points to lead Brooklyn, with Nic Claxton contributing a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds. Royce O’Neale also added 13 points off the bench.
Houston established an early lead with VanVleet scoring 11 points in the first quarter. Despite Brooklyn’s brief lead at halftime, thanks to capitalizing on Houston’s turnovers, the Rockets responded strongly in the second half.
The game’s turning point came in the third quarter, where Houston executed a decisive 24-6 run, highlighted by Cam Whitmore’s contributions from the bench. The Rockets’ 38-25 advantage in the quarter set the stage for their victory, with VanVleet’s defensive effort at the buzzer being a standout moment.
Despite missing key players Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason due to injuries, the Rockets showed depth and resilience, improving their record to 17-15.
Looking ahead, the Nets will host Oklahoma City, hoping to break their losing streak, while the Rockets will continue their homestand against Minnesota, both games scheduled for Friday night. This win for Houston, against a struggling Brooklyn side, demonstrates their potential and capacity to compete against varied opponents in the league.
