Alperen Sengun shines with 39 points in Rockets victory over Pacers

The Houston Rockets secured a valuable victory on the road against the Indiana Pacers (118-114) thanks to an exceptional performance from Alperen Sengun. The Turkish center tied his season-high with 39 points, brilliantly compensating for Kevin Durant’s absence.

Sengun takes responsibility in Durant’s absence

Kevin Durant was unavailable after spraining his left ankle when he stepped on a spectator’s foot, according to coach Ime Udoka. His absence came on top of Steven Adams’ ongoing recovery, which is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season following left ankle surgery.

In that context, Alperen Şengün carried the load. The center went 13-for-25 from the field and 13-for-18 at the line, including 8-of-12 in the fourth quarter, and finished with 16 rebounds. It was a complete performance that stabilized the game when Houston needed it most.

Alperen Sengun was A STANDOUT in Houston’s road victory!

🚀 39 PTS (ties season-high)
🚀 16 REB (7 OREB)
🚀 5 AST

Make that 3 wins in a row for the Rockets! pic.twitter.com/fG2N5ADrMu

— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2026

Jabari Smith Jr. provided valuable support with 19 points, allowing the Rockets to secure their third consecutive victory and their fifth win in the last six games.

A tight finish won by Houston

Indiana had answers. Pascal Siakam scored 27 points, Bennedict Mathurin added 25, and the Pacers erased a 12-point third-quarter deficit, briefly taking the lead on a Jarace Walker fast-break assist to Siakam.

The game stayed in balance into the closing minutes. Then Alperen Şengün tilted it. His trips to the line anchored a 12–2 run that pushed Houston ahead 109–101 with just under five minutes to play.

The road win extended Houston’s momentum, marking a third straight victory away from home. For Indiana, it snapped a two-game run and closed off a chance to match its best streak of the season.