Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant Power Houston Rockets Past Washington Wizards
Alperen Şengün delivered 32 points and 13 rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Washington Wizards 123-118. Kevin Durant added 30 points in a physical contest that included ejections and late drama at Capital One Arena.
Alperen Şengün Leads Dominant Interior Performance
Alperen Şengün anchored the paint as the Houston Rockets secured a 123-118 road win over the Washington Wizards.
The Turkish big man scored 32 points on 13-of-20 shooting while grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds. Houston outrebounded Washington 59-27 and finished with 62 points in the paint. Şengün’s physical presence ensured the Rockets never trailed after the second quarter.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant contributed 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. He also went a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line in front of family members seated courtside.
Balanced Scoring Fuels Houston’s Seventh Straight Win Over Washington
Houston received key contributions across the roster. Amen Thompson recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds, controlling both ends of the floor. Rookie Reed Sheppard impressed with 19 points and 10 assists, along with seven rebounds and six steals.
The Rockets shot 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. They also capitalized on Washington’s 18 turnovers, converting them into 24 points.
For Washington, Bilal Coulibaly posted a season-high 23 points, including five three-pointers. Sharife Cooper added 21 points off the bench in just 17 minutes.
Ejections and Physical Play Shift Momentum
Tensions rose midway through the third quarter. Tari Eason shoved Jamir Watkins twice during separate possessions, resulting in two technical fouls and an ejection.
Trae Young, who is expected to debut for Washington later this week, was also ejected for leaving the bench during the altercation. The incident added intensity to a game already marked by physical defense.
Durant later received a technical foul with 29 seconds remaining after shoving a Wizards player out of bounds. Washington scored the final eight points, but the late push was not enough.
Wizards Continue to Navigate Injuries and Transitions
Washington played without leading scorer Alex Sarr, while Houston missed Jabari Smith Jr. for a second straight game. The Wizards have now lost five consecutive games.
Rookie center Julian Reese, brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, made his NBA debut. He logged 28 minutes, contributing four rebounds and three steals before fouling out.
Despite shooting 19-for-35 from beyond the arc, Washington struggled inside. The Rockets’ dominance in the paint ultimately proved decisive.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Houston will look to extend its momentum when it hosts the Golden State Warriors. Washington, meanwhile, prepares to face the Orlando Magic as it works to integrate Young into the lineup.
Conclusion
Alperen Şengün once again showcased why he is central to Houston’s success. His efficient scoring and rebounding set the tone, while Kevin Durant’s veteran presence sealed the victory. As the Rockets continue climbing the standings, their balanced attack and interior dominance remain key strengths.
FAQs
Alperen Şengün scored 32 points with 13 rebounds.
Durant added 30 points and went 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.
Young was ejected for leaving the bench during a third-quarter altercation.
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