Alperen Sengrun dropped 36 points and 13 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets crush the New Orleans Pelicans 134-102 on Sunday night.
The Rockets moved into a tie for fifth place in the Western Conference with idle Minnesota, 1 ½ games behind the Nuggets.
Sengun also added seven assists, three steals, three blocks, and made 5 of 7 from distance. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each had 20 points and Tari Eason added 15.
On the other hand, Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 19 points. Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey each scored 18, and Derik Queen had 13.
The Rockets used a tiebreaking 23-3 run to open the second quarter to put the game out of reach.
Houston led by double figures throughout the second half, outrebounded the Pelicans 59-36, and committed just six turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans have lost back-to-back games and 11 of 12, and shot 52% in the first quarter, including five triples.
Up next: the Pelicans visit Portland on Thursday, while the Rockets host the Knicks on Tuesday.
