Rockets 107-92 Wizards (November 11, 2024) Game Recap

HOUSTON – Alperen Sengun scored 27 points and added 17 rebounds for the second straight game, leading the Houston Rockets to a 107-92 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night.

Sengun hit 12 of 19 shots and added three blocks. Jalen Green scored 18 points, Amen Thompson 13 and Jabari Smith Jr. and Aaron Holiday each had 11.

With Fred VanVleet sidelined with a hamstring injury, which coach Ime Udoka said was a common problem, rookie Reed Sheppard and Holiday were able to log more minutes. Sheppard achieved his first career high with seven points.

Washington forward Kyle Kuzma returned after a five-game absence due to a right groin strain and led Washington with 18 points on 7 of 18 shooting in 24 minutes. Jordan Poole had 11 points and eight turnovers.

Houston led 55-40 at halftime and never trailed.

The Rockets have won four of five games and improved to 7-4, their best 11-game start since the 2019-20 season. Washington has lost five straight.

Takeaways

Wizards: Washington was outrebounded 58-34. The Wizards have failed to outscore their opponent in all nine games this season. Jonas Valanciunas led Washington with eight rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench. Rookie runner-up Alexandre Sarr had six.

Rockets: Sengun posted back-to-back 20-point games for the first time this season, a feat he accomplished regularly during last year’s breakout campaign when he averaged 21.1 points. Sengun’s early and frequent involvement is key to Houston’s success.

Key moment

Towards the end of the second quarter, the Rockets went on a 10-0 run and extended their lead from five to 15 points, which they never relinquished.

Key statistics

The Wizards managed just one free throw on four attempts in the first half and finished 9 of 13, both season lows. Houston scored 22 to 25 points.

Next

On Wednesday night, the Wizards visit San Antonio while the Rockets host the Clippers.

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AP NBA: