Story by
Rockets 112, Thunder 106: Alperen Sengun ‘phenomenal’ in key road win
- Story by
- Rockets 112, Thunder 106: Alperen Sengun ‘phenomenal’ in key road win
In recent days, Alperen Sengun 's apparent regression on defense was a topic of discussion around the NBA and even by his own head coach , Ime Udoka.
On Saturday, in Houston 's 112-106 road victory ( box score ) over the Oklahoma City Thunder , the 23-year-old Rockets big man flipped the script.
Advertisement
With 17 points (50.0% FG), 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, Sengun — a 2025 NBA All-Star — finished with his second triple-double of the 2025-26 campaign. He also combined for 6 steals and blocks while turning the ball over only once.
Via Will Guillory of The Athletic, Udoka called Sengun's performance "phenomenal" on both ends of the court. Specifically, Udoka pointed to Sengun's defensive aggression in the second half, when the Rockets rallied back after trailing by six points at halftime (and as many as 15 in the first half).
For the Rockets, it was their first win in three tries this season versus the defending league champions.
Despite the loss, the Thunder (40-13) continue to own the best record in the Western Conference and the NBA. Houston (32-19) snapped its two-game losing streak and remains at No. 4 in the West standings .
Beyond Sengun, other statistics of note included:
Advertisement
-
Kevin Durant : 20 points, 4 assists; 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%)
-
Jabari Smith Jr. : 22 points, 10 rebounds; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%), 9-of-11 on free throws (81.8%)
-
Tari Eason : 26 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals; 10-of-22 shooting (45.5%), 5-of-13 on 3-pointers (38.5%)
-
Reed Sheppard : 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals; 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%)
-
Chet Holmgren (Thunder): 17 points, 14 rebounds; 5-of-10 shooting (50.0%), 6-of-8 on free throws (75.0%)
-
Cason Wallace (Thunder): 23 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, 4 rebounds; 10-of-16 shooting (62.5%)
-
Isaiah Joe (Thunder): 21 points,3 steals; 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 8-of-8 on free throws
With the All-Star break looming in a few days, both teams held out several rotation players. The Thunder were without Jalen Williams , Ajay Mitchell , and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , while the Rockets were missing Amen Thompson (illness), Fred VanVleet , and Steven Adams .
Unfortunately, Adams (ankle surgery) is expected to miss the remainder of the season, while VanVleet (knee surgery) appears likely to .
Next up for the Rockets is a home back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday versus the Los Angeles Clippers (24-27). That will lead into the 2026 All-Star break for both teams.
More: Defensive regression: Rockets, Alperen Sengun searching for answers
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets 112, Thunder 106: Alperen Sengun 'phenomenal' in key road win
