Alperen Şengün Dominates the Utah Jazz in a 125-118 Victory
· Yahoo Sports
The Houston Rockets move to 10-3 on the season after beating the Utah Jazz 125-118 in NBA Cup group stage action at Toyota Center. Although Utah started the game strong and built a lead of up to 10 points, Houston’s elite interior presence on both ends of the court proved to be too much to handle, and the Jazz drop to 1-12.
Alperen Sengun remains the undeniable frontrunner for Houston. He is putting together a superstar campaign in his young career and looks every bit like an All-Star lock once again. He is having the best season so far in his young career and looks firmly on track for another All-Star selection.
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Şengün dominated the paint on both ends of the floor tonight, stacking the stat sheet in this victory by dropping a massive 43 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and a block in 37 minutes. His shooting efficiency was phenomenal, as he went 17-of-24 from the floor, including knocking down 1-of-3 from three-point range. His free-throw shooting also held steady in high-volume situations, converting 8 of his 12 attempts from the stripe as the Rockets outscored Utah 52-46 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 47-41.
The Houston Rockets went into the locker room at halftime holding a 63-53 lead over the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Although Utah came out aggressive and matched Houston blow-for-blow through a tightly contested opening period, the Rockets turned up the defensive intensity and exploded for 36 points in the second quarter to seize control of the game.
The Jazz came out swinging in the third quarter, shooting red hot. They bounced back from the double digit deficit by draining 7 out of their first 10 three-point attempts in the second half. Houston was playing with fire by letting the Jazz back into the game.
However, Houston continues to be clutch in the fourth quarter, especially from deep. Bogdanovic made the best of his opportunity and knocked down three 3 pointers in the second half.
Houston’s second unit was a large factor in this victory, even without Marcus Smart (suspended) and Steven Adams (injury). Tari Eason put up a very impressive performance, recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Eason was one of three Rockets to record a double-double. Amen Thompson delivered a gritty double-double, recording 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block across 41 minutes of action. Thompson finished with more rebounds than points, as he continues to struggle offensively. Thompson shooting continues to be sub-par, but his teammates continue to pick up his slack.
Houston had yet another game with six players in double digits, showcasing just how well-rounded and deep this roster truly is. Kevin Durant eclipsed 20 points again, finishing with 22 points and 6 assists in 33 minutes while doing major damage at the charity stripe by going a perfect 10-for-10 on free throws despite a quieter 5-of-14 shooting night from the field.