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Rockets’ Alperen Sengun ruled out of Mavericks game with ankle injury
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- Rockets’ Alperen Sengun ruled out of Mavericks game with ankle injury
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On Saturday night, the Houston Rockets faced a setback when All-Star center Alperen Sengun exited just 64 seconds into their 110-104 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Sengun landed awkwardly while contesting a rebound, rolling his right ankle and immediately limping to the bench. Houston subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
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The injury came at a challenging time for the Rockets, who were already without backup center Steven Adams due to a right ankle sprain, leaving Clint Capela as the only available big man. Sengun, who had just returned from a calf strain, is in the midst of a career season, averaging 21.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists across 28 games while shooting 51.2% from the field, 31.7% from three-point range, and 73.4% at the free-throw line. The Turkish star's early departure forced Houston to adjust quickly, relying on Kevin Durant , Tari Eason , and Amen Thompson to carry the load.
Despite the Rockets jumping to an early 20-9 lead behind Durant's 14 points in the first quarter, Dallas recovered with efficient offense in the second period. The Mavericks shot 59% from the field in the quarter (13-of-22), while Houston managed only 7-of-28. Anthony Davis owned the paint, recording 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, including a crucial swat against Eason that led to a transition 3-pointer by Klay Thompson , giving Dallas an 11-point advantage late.
The Mavericks also benefited from Max Christie 's performance, who scored 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including four of six from three-point range. Christie's late dunk with just over a minute remaining ensured Dallas's victory.
The Rockets' shooting woes were evident, as Houston converted just 38.7% of their shots and made only 10 of 41 three-point attempts, whereas the Mavericks shot 55% overall and leveraged a 66-54 advantage in points in the paint. The Rockets had success on the offensive boards, collecting 17 offensive rebounds to Dallas' two and converting all 15 second-chance opportunities.
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Durant led Houston with 34 points and seven assists, fighting through four fouls in the second half. Jabari Smith Jr. struggled with just seven points on 2-of-13 shooting.
The loss ended the Rockets' four-game winning streak. Houston will look to regroup ahead of Monday's home matchup against the Phoenix Suns , while awaiting clarity on Sengun's injury.
Related: Rockets' Kevin Durant sends Anthony Davis to school with tough and-1
