Houston’s star center is setting the pace, but Utah has clawed back into a tight fourth-quarter finish.
Houston entered Friday 9-3 and fourth in the power index; Utah arrived 1-11 and 29th. The Rockets turned a 27-27 first quarter into a 63-53 halftime lead with a 36-26 second, but Utah answered with a 36-29 third and the score is now 94-91. Alperen Sengun has 34 points on 13-of-17 shooting, 11 rebounds and five assists in 28:30. Darryn Peterson’s 21 points and Airious Bailey’s 18 have led Utah’s push, keeping the Jazz within three.
Key Performers
Alperen Sengun, Houston: 34 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists Darryn Peterson, Utah: 21 points, 6 rebounds Airious Bailey, Utah: 18 points