The Houston Rockets continued their impressive run with a commanding 143-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, marking their fifth consecutive win. Led by Fred VanVleet‘s season-high 28 points and Alperen Sengun‘s remarkable triple-double, the Rockets showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess.
Sengun Shines with Triple-Double
Alperen Sengun was the star of the night, recording his second triple-double of the season with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. His ability to facilitate the offense while dominating the boards was crucial in establishing Houston’s rhythm. The Rockets’ starting lineup was in sync, as all five starters scored in double figures, with Jalen Green contributing 18 points.
Rockets’ Paint Dominance
Houston’s dominance in the paint was evident, as they out-rebounded the Bulls 66 to 47. This rebounding advantage allowed the Rockets to control the game’s tempo and limit Chicago’s second-chance opportunities. Despite a sluggish start, Houston found their groove, shooting an impressive 52.4% from the field (55 of 105) by game’s end.
Bulls Struggle to Keep Up
The Bulls struggled offensively, shooting just 33.6% (36 of 107) from the floor. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the high-flying Rockets. Talen Horton-Tucker added 12 points off the bench, but the team has now dropped two straight games and three of their last four.
Key Moments
The turning point came in the second quarter when LaVine’s free throws tied the game at 36. However, Houston responded emphatically, outscoring Chicago 32-16 in that period to take a commanding 68-52 lead at halftime. The Rockets continued their momentum into the third quarter, starting with an 11-0 run that effectively sealed the game.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Rockets improved to 8-2 when outrebounding their opponents. They will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Meanwhile, the Bulls will aim to regroup as they face the Detroit Pistons in Detroit.
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