The Houston Rockets improved to 7-4, marking their best start since the 2019-2020 season, with a solid 107-92 win over the Washington Wizards. Leading the charge was Alperen Sengun, who delivered an outstanding performance with 27 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks on an efficient 12-for-19 shooting from the field. Sengun’s all-around play was the driving force behind Houston’s victory, establishing him as a key presence in the Rockets' frontcourt.
Equally impressive was Houston’s defense, which has continued to show up strong this season. They held the Wizards to under 100 points, limited them to just 40% shooting, and forced 18 turnovers. This level of defensive intensity has become a calling card for the Rockets, signaling a shift toward a more disciplined and cohesive style of play. If they can maintain this defensive energy, the Rockets could prove to be a formidable opponent as the season progresses.
With Fred VanVleet sitting out due to a hamstring injury on the second night of a back-to-back, rookie Amen Thompson stepped in as the starting point guard. Thompson contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, an assist, and an impressive 4 steals, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments. Jalen Green added 18 points, although his shooting was somewhat inconsistent, going 6-for-15 from the field. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 11 points and 9 rebounds but also struggled with his shot, hitting just 2-for-10 from the floor.
Aaron Holiday, who logged additional minutes with VanVleet’s absence, chipped in 11 points. Meanwhile, Tari Eason delivered an energetic two-way performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks on 5-for-10 shooting, strengthening his case for a potential starting role over Smith.
Despite their strong defensive showing, the Rockets continue to struggle from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-for-23 from three-point range. The lack of consistent long-range shooting remains a concern, especially as Houston eyes a postseason push. No player hit more than one three-pointer in this game, though Sengun and Reed Sheppard both connected on their single attempts from deep. If the Rockets hope to sustain their early-season success, they’ll need to improve their perimeter shooting to balance their interior play.
The Rockets now get a brief break before hosting the Los Angeles Clippers for a two-game home series starting Wednesday. As they prepare, the focus will likely remain on maintaining their defensive intensity while addressing their three-point shooting woes. With Sengun emerging as a reliable centerpiece and young players like Thompson and Eason making notable contributions, Houston has a promising foundation for the future.
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