The Houston Rockets powered to an emphatic 136-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, led by stellar performances from Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Sengun’s 26 points and nine assists, combined with Green’s 22 points, proved too much for the Pistons, who are now 3-30 for the season.
This blowout came just two nights after Detroit ended its NBA record-tying 28-game losing streak with a win against Toronto. Pistons coach Monty Williams reflected on the emotional toll of breaking the losing streak and the challenge of maintaining momentum.
The third quarter was pivotal, with Green and Sengun scoring a combined 37 points. This offensive explosion helped the Rockets outscore the Pistons 47-25 in the quarter, transforming a narrow four-point halftime lead into a commanding 106-80 advantage heading into the fourth. Houston coach Ime Udoka acknowledged the team’s improved focus and execution in this crucial period.
Sengun, who shot an efficient 9 of 13 from the field, emphasized his aggressive play in the second half as a key factor in his performance. Green’s contribution included five 3-pointers, continuing his scoring streak of at least 20 points in three consecutive games.
For the Pistons, Alec Burks led with 21 points, followed by Jaden Ivey with 19 and Bojan Bogdanovic with 14. Jalen Duren contributed a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Despite shooting 49% and going 13 of 29 on three-pointers, the Pistons struggled to match Houston’s intensity, as Bogdanovic pointed out the need for the young Pistons squad to match or exceed their opponents’ effort levels.
Houston showcased its offensive efficiency, shooting 56% from the field and 15 of 35 on three-pointers. The Rockets also capitalized on turnovers, converting 18 Pistons mistakes into 33 points.
The game also featured a unique matchup between twins Amen and Ausar Thompson, with Amen scoring 12 points for Houston and Ausar finishing with five for Detroit.
Houston’s significant run early in the third quarter, marked by a 19-4 burst capped by a VanVleet three-pointer, was a turning point, giving the Rockets an insurmountable lead.
Looking ahead, the Pistons will face Utah on Wednesday, hoping to find a winning formula, while the Rockets host Brooklyn as they continue their seven-game homestand.
The Rockets’ convincing win, fueled by the dynamic duo of Sengun and Green, demonstrates their potential for explosive scoring, while the Pistons continue to search for consistency in a challenging season.
