Alperen Sengun’s all-around night and Houston’s third-quarter defensive clampdown fueled a 120-110 win.
Houston beat Atlanta 120-110, with Alperen Sengun’s 29 points and six steals setting the tone. The Hawks scored 35 in the first quarter and led 66-63 at halftime, but Houston held them to 19 in the third while scoring 28 to seize control. Sengun finished 11-for-15 from the field, 1-for-1 from three and 6-for-8 at the line, adding nine rebounds, nine assists, one block and six turnovers. Kevin Durant supplied 22 points on 6-for-13 shooting, with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, four blocks and four turnovers. Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 6-for-13, while recording five assists, one steal, one block and one turnover. Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson had 21 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while CJ McCollum scored 20 on 8-for-16 shooting, including 4-for-7 from three. Houston’s third-quarter edge proved decisive as the Rockets closed out the 10-point victory.
Key Performers
Alperen Sengun: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST, 6 STL, 1 BLK; 11/15 FG Kevin Durant: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 4 BLK; 6/13 FG Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK; 6/13 FG
Standings Impact
Houston improved to 3-0, while Atlanta fell to 2-1. The Rockets hold the higher power-index position, sixth to the Hawks’ ninth.
DYMA Insight
The game turned after halftime: Houston’s 28-19 third quarter flipped a three-point deficit into a lead. Sengun’s six steals and nine assists underscored his impact on both ends.