Sengun's 39 Points Lead Rockets Past Pacers 118-114
In a high-stakes NBA showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Houston Rockets edged out the Indiana Pacers 118-114 on Monday night. Turkish sensation Alperen Sengun stole the show with a career-high 39 points and 16 rebounds, powering Houston to their third consecutive victory and solidifying their position in the Western Conference.
Game Recap: A Battle of Resilience and Firepower
The game at the Toyota Center in Houston was a testament to the Rockets' growing momentum this season. From the tip-off, both teams traded blows in a fast-paced affair that showcased the athleticism and skill defining modern NBA basketball. The Pacers, known for their high-octane offense led by stars like Tyrese Haliburton, came into the matchup riding a wave of Eastern Conference competitiveness. However, Houston's interior dominance, spearheaded by Sengun, proved too much to overcome.
Early in the first quarter, Indiana jumped out to a slim lead, capitalizing on three-point opportunities and quick transitions. But Sengun quickly asserted his presence, bullying his way to the basket for easy buckets and drawing fouls that disrupted the Pacers' rhythm. By halftime, the Rockets had clawed back, trailing by just four points at 62-58. The second half turned into a shootout, with Houston's bench providing crucial energy to maintain the lead down the stretch.
Key Moments That Swung the Game
One pivotal sequence came in the third quarter when Sengun hit a turnaround jumper over Myles Turner, igniting a 12-4 run that gave Houston their first double-digit advantage. The Pacers responded with a flurry from Haliburton, who finished with 28 points, but late-game fouls and turnovers sealed their fate. Amen Thompson's defensive steal and fast-break dunk with under two minutes left effectively iced the game, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The final scoreline—118-114—reflected a gritty defensive effort from the Rockets, who forced 15 turnovers from Indiana. Houston's shooting efficiency, particularly from mid-range, was a standout, hitting 48% from the field overall.
Sengun's Masterclass: From All-Star Snub to Star Performance
Alperen Sengun's omission from the 2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters earlier this month sparked debates across the league. Critics argued that the 22-year-old's consistent double-doubles and defensive versatility warranted a spot alongside the likes of Nikola Jokić and Anthony Davis. Sengun answered his doubters emphatically against the Pacers, not only leading all scorers with 39 points but also anchoring the paint with 16 rebounds, including five offensive boards that led to second-chance points.
"It's all about the team," Sengun said post-game, downplaying the All-Star slight. "We needed this win to keep our momentum going." His performance was a blend of finesse and power—soft touch on floaters, ruthless drives to the rim, and smart passes out of double-teams. This outing raises questions: Will Sengun's hot streak force the NBA to reconsider fan-voted reserves or injury replacements?
Supporting Cast Shines for Houston
Sengun wasn't alone in the effort. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 19 points, including three timely threes that stretched the floor and created driving lanes. Amen Thompson, the young wing with All-Defensive potential, added 16 points and was a pest on the perimeter, holding Haliburton to below his average in the fourth quarter. The Rockets' depth was evident as seven players scored in double figures, underscoring coach Ime Udoka's balanced rotation.
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds, but the team struggled with perimeter defense, allowing Houston to shoot 38% from beyond the arc. Indiana's loss drops them to 25-23, keeping them in the playoff hunt but highlighting vulnerabilities against physical frontcourts.
Broader NBA Implications: Rockets Climb, East Shakes Up
With this victory, the Rockets improve to 31-17, holding firm at fourth in the Western Conference. They're now just two games behind the third-seeded Denver Nuggets, positioning them well for a potential top-four seed and home-court advantage in the playoffs. Houston's three-game win streak has transformed them from mid-season question marks into legitimate contenders, thanks to Sengun's emergence and a stifling defense ranked top-10 in opponent points per game.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference saw movement elsewhere. The Charlotte Hornets extended their win streak to seven with a 102-95 upset over the New Orleans Pelicans. LaMelo Ball, despite a scary head clash with coach Charles Lee that required stitches, returned to drop 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, leading Charlotte to climb within one spot of the playoff line at 23-28.
In the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves' unbeaten run ended in a 137-128 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Without Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. erupted for 30 points, and seven Grizzlies players hit double figures, boosting Memphis to 19-29 and keeping their play-in hopes alive.
Looking Ahead: What's Next for Both Teams?
The Rockets face a tough road test against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, where Sengun's matchup against Chet Holmgren could define the outcome. For the Pacers, a quick turnaround against the Atlanta Hawks offers a chance to rebound, but they'll need to shore up their rebounding—outrebounded 52-44 by Houston—to stay in the East race.
This Pacers-Rockets clash was more than just a win; it was a statement. As the NBA season hits its stride, Sengun's rise and Houston's surge are narratives to watch. Fans in the UK tuning into NBA League Pass can catch the replay and see why this young Rockets core is turning heads globally.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball, games like this remind us why the NBA captivates millions—unpredictable drama, individual brilliance, and team synergy all colliding in 48 minutes of pure action.
