Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 27 points, including nine 3-pointers, to lead the Houston Rockets past the Milwaukee Bucks 119-113 Wednesday at the Toyota Center.
Alperen Sengun added 25 points, while Kevin Durant contributed 19 points and nine assists in Houston’s fourth consecutive victory.
Amen Thompson recorded 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 12 points as the Rockets shot 47 percent from the field and 43 percent from three.
Houston generated 30 assists on 41 field goals and forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 18 points.
Milwaukee was led by Ousmane Dieng, who posted a career-high 36 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists, while Cormac Ryan added a season-high 25 and Pete Nance scored a career-best 23.
AJ Green contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, but the Bucks struggled after Gary Trent Jr. left with a hip contusion in the first quarter.
The Bucks shot 47 percent overall and made 17 of 40 three-point attempts, including 10 in the third quarter, cutting Houston’s 20-point lead to seven by the end of the frame.
Down 112-100 with 3:30 remaining, Milwaukee scored eight straight points to close within four, but Sengun’s clutch free throws preserved Houston’s lead.
Jericho Sims made one of two free throws, and after a Bucks turnover, Sengun hit another free throw with 16 seconds left to secure the final margin.
The Rockets improve to 47-29, while the Bucks fall to 30-46 and remain outside the playoff picture. Houston hosts the Utah Jazz on Friday, and Milwaukee will face the Boston Celtics in their next game.
