Alperen Sengun recorded 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Boston Celtics 109-93 on Monday night at Toyota Center. Houston improved to 7-1, taking first place in the Western Conference after Memphis lost to New Orleans in overtime.
The Rockets never trailed and controlled the game in the paint and transition. They outscored Boston 50-34 inside and 18-2 on fast breaks, building on a 57-50 halftime lead.
Sengun was highly efficient, shooting 12-for-15 from the field in 38 minutes. He also contributed two steals and two blocks, finishing with a game-high plus-21.
Jabari Smith Jr. added 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Amen Thompson also scored 14. Tari Eason had 13 points, and Kevin Durant finished with 12 on 5-for-6 shooting.
Marcus Smart, facing his former team, contributed eight points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Houston’s defense held Boston to 39% shooting and 29% from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 19 points but shot 5-for-16 from the field and 1-for-7 from beyond the arc. Neemias Queta added 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting, while reserve Luka Garza scored 14, including four three-pointers.
Boston’s five-game winning streak ended, dropping the team to 5-2. The Celtics were without Paul George, who rested after scoring 17 points in Sunday’s 108-97 win over Orlando.
Houston also played without Clint Capela, who was sidelined with a right ankle sprain. The Rockets’ 7-1 start is their best since the 2014-15 season.
The Celtics host Milwaukee on Wednesday, while Houston welcomes Minnesota.
