Back
HOUSTON -- Led by two-time All-Star Alperen Sengun, the Rockets improved to an NBA-best 7-1 thanks to Monday’s 109-93 victory (box score) over visiting Boston.
The Rockets snapped what was previously a five-game winning streak for the Celtics (5-2). When combined with a Memphis loss, Houston moved to the top of the 2026-27 Western Conference standings.
Sengun, who has been brilliant early this season, led the way versus Boston with 26 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks while shooting 12-of-15 from the field (80.0%).
After missing two games last week with back soreness, including Houston’s only loss of the season in Dallas, the Turkish big man has led his team to back-to-back victories since his weekend return.
“It’s chemistry,” Sengun said of the team’s success (via Space City Home Network). “We have a deep team, and the chemistry is amazing. I think that’s the biggest thing, so far in this season.”
“We stay together, no matter what. We go on dinners, and we’re just spending time together. That’s the most important thing this season, and we’re just going to keep winning, and give our fans a good show.”
Sengun was the leading scorer and playmaker on offense, while versatile defenders such as Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Marcus Smart helped limit Celtics star Jayson Tatum (19 points, 9 assists) to just 5-of-16 shooting (31.3%) with five turnovers.
Other statistics of note included:
Jabari Smith Jr.: 14 points, 10 rebounds; 4-of-5 on 3-pointers (80.0%)
Amen Thompson: 14 points, 3 assists; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80.0%)
Kevin Durant: 12 points, 3 assists, 2 steals; 5-of-6 shooting (83.3%)
Tari Eason: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
For the Rockets, Monday’s game was the midpoint of a three-game homestand at Toyota Center, which concludes with Wednesday’s visit from the Minnesota Timberwolves (4-3).
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. Central, and the game will be streamed and televised regionally via Space City Home Network (SCHN) and to national and international audiences via NBA League Pass.