Alperen Sengun led the Houston Rockets (4-3) to a 109-97 victory over the New York Knicks (3-3) on Monday night. Sengun recorded a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds, guiding the Rockets to their fourth win of the season.
Houston started strong, building an early 15-point lead. The Knicks fought back, closing the gap to just one point late in the fourth quarter, but Sengun’s late-game performance secured the win for Houston.
Fred VanVleet contributed 19 points for the Rockets, while Jalen Green added 15. The team’s balanced offensive effort helped them maintain control throughout the game.
Jalen Brunson was the standout performer for the Knicks, finishing with 29 points. OG Anunoby also played a key role, scoring 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 17 points and a season-high 19 rebounds.
Despite a strong push from New York in the fourth quarter, the Rockets held firm. Sengun scored 10 points in the final period, proving crucial as Houston pulled away in the closing minutes.
Houston’s performance in the paint was notable, outscoring New York 62-38. This inside dominance proved pivotal in their victory. The Rockets’ ability to involve multiple players in their offensive strategy was evident, with four starters finishing in double figures.
The Rockets faced challenges from beyond the arc, making only 8 of 33 three-point attempts. Both Green and VanVleet struggled early, but their contributions in critical moments helped clinch the win.