Rockets Handle Shorthanded Thunder Behind Sengun Triple-Double, Eason’s Spark, and Team-First Approach
The Houston Rockets needed a get-right game, and they got it - even if it came against an Oklahoma City Thunder team missing key pieces in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Wilson. Still, a win’s a win in the NBA, and for a Rockets squad looking to steady themselves before the break, this one counts.
Alperen Sengun was the engine, putting together his second triple-double of the season in a performance that showcased just how much he’s grown as both a scorer and facilitator. Sengun finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks - stuffing the stat sheet like few big men can.
He went 6-of-12 from the field, but it was his feel for the game that really stood out. Whether it was finding cutters, initiating offense from the elbow, or rotating defensively, Sengun was everywhere.
But the scoring crown on the night belonged to Tari Eason, who poured in 26 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Eason knocked down five threes on 13 attempts and played with the kind of energy that makes him a difference-maker when he’s healthy.
That’s been the challenge - availability. Eason has only suited up in about 60 percent of his possible games since joining the Rockets, but when he’s on the floor, Houston is simply a better team.
It’s also worth noting the Rockets have wisely kept Eason out of trade talks, with an eye on locking him up once he hits restricted free agency this offseason. You don’t let two-way wings with that kind of upside walk out the door - and Houston seems to know it.
Kevin Durant, meanwhile, played a more controlled role in this one, attempting just 10 shots and finishing with 20 points, 4 assists, a rebound, a steal, and a block. While it might seem counterintuitive, the Rockets are often at their best when Durant isn’t dominating the shot chart.
That was the case here. KD picked his spots, stayed within the flow of the offense, and then, when it mattered most, delivered - hitting a clutch jumper to put Houston up six with a minute to go.
That’s the blueprint: share the load early, let Durant close.
Jabari Smith Jr. also turned in a strong showing, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, a steal, and a block. Smith has been streaky this season - no surprise for a 22-year-old forward still finding his rhythm - but this was one of those nights where you could see the potential pop.
He played with confidence, made smart defensive reads, and looked more like the player Houston envisioned when they drafted him. If this is the start of him breaking out of his slump, it couldn’t come at a better time.
Rookie guard Reed Sheppard rounded out the starting five in double figures, scoring 16 points to go with 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. His outside shot still isn’t falling consistently - just 1-of-4 from deep in this one - but his defensive instincts and playmaking continue to shine. He’s finding ways to impact the game even when the jumper isn’t cooperating.
The one area that remains a concern? Bench production.
Houston got just 11 points from its reserves, with JD Davison accounting for 8 of those. For a team that once prided itself on depth, that’s a red flag.
With the second unit struggling to provide scoring punch, head coach Ime Udoka may have to get creative - or hope reinforcements arrive post-break.
But that’s a tomorrow problem. For now, the Rockets move to 32-19 on the season and get a much-needed boost heading into a back-to-back set at home.
Next up: the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday night in H-Town.
Momentum is building - and for a young, talented squad like this, that can go a long way.