Sengun’s Masterpiece Leads Rockets to 134-102 Rout of Pelicans
Sengun’s Masterpiece Leads Rockets to 134-102 Rout of Pelicans
The Houston Rockets sent a loud message to the Western Conference on Sunday night, steamrolling the New Orleans Pelicans in a 134-102 victory at the Smoothie King Center. The night belonged to Alperen Sengun, who delivered a performance of historic proportions to lead Houston to its 45th win of the season. In a matchup between two of the league’s most dynamic young big men, Sengun outdueled Zion Williamson, helping Houston pull into a tie for fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
Sengun Dominates All Facets of the Game
Alperen Sengun was simply unstoppable, finishing with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. Most impressively, the fourth-year center showcased an expanded range, hitting 5-of-7 from three-point territory. He also added three steals and three blocks, anchoring a Houston defense that held New Orleans to just 22 points in the final quarter. Sengun’s 14-point outburst in the second quarter was the catalyst for a 23-3 Rockets run that effectively put the game out of reach before halftime.
The Rockets received plenty of help from their veteran stars as well. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each tallied 20 points, while Tari Eason provided 15 points off the bench. Houston dominated the glass, outrebounding the Pelicans 59-36 and taking full advantage of their size in the paint.
Pelicans Slump Continues Despite Zion’s Efforts
For the New Orleans Pelicans, the struggles continue as they have now lost back-to-back games and 11 of their last 12. Zion Williamson finished with 18 points but was often met by a wall of Houston defenders every time he drove to the basket. Dejounte Murray led the scoring for New Orleans with 19 points, while rookie Jeremiah Fears added 12 points and 5 assists in a reserve role.
The Pelicans (25-51) are currently looking toward the future, but the lack of consistency in their defense remains a glaring issue. Houston’s ball movement and spacing diced up New Orleans' schemes throughout the night, leading to 18 made threes for the Rockets. New Orleans will need to find a way to stop the bleeding as they close out a disappointing regular season.
Rosters and Statistical Leaders
Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun (C), Kevin Durant (F), Jabari Smith Jr. (F), Jalen Green (G), Fred VanVleet (G).
Season Stats: 45-29. Points Leader: Kevin Durant (24.8 PPG).
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson (F), Dejounte Murray (G), Saddiq Bey (F), Yves Missi (C), Herb Jones (F).
Season Stats: 25-51. Points Leader: Zion Williamson (23.1 PPG).
