Alperen Sengun scored 43 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to power the Houston Rockets to a 125-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. The win, which marked Houston's third straight victory, improved the Rockets' record to 10-3 and saw Sengun join Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming as the only players in franchise history to record at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists while shooting at least 70% from the field in a single game.
Sengun's Historic Performance
Sengun's Historic Performance
Sengun's performance on Friday was marked by high efficiency, as he shot 17-for-24 from the field. Most of his scoring came from just outside the paint, with the majority of his makes occurring near the rim. In addition to his 43 points and 12 rebounds, he contributed five assists, one block, and one steal. Despite the high usage, Sengun recorded only one turnover out of the team's eight total turnovers.
This achievement makes Sengun the third player in Houston Rockets history to reach the 40-point, 10-rebound, and five-assist milestone while shooting 70% or better from the field. He joins Hakeem Olajuwon, who accomplished the feat in 1994, and Yao Ming, who did so in 2004. Sengun, who is 24 years old, credited his improved athleticism and explosiveness this season to a strong offseason and working with a dietician to get in better shape.
Rockets Leadership and Coaching Reaction
Rockets Leadership and Coaching Reaction
Despite the dominant scoring from Sengun, Rockets coach Ime Udoka described the team's overall performance as "lackadaisical." Udoka noted that while the team held a 10-point lead at halftime, they began the third quarter "going through the motions," allowing the Jazz to become the aggressor. This lack of competitiveness led to a 22-point swing in the third quarter, during which Utah erased a 12-point lead to take a 10-point advantage.
To counter the momentum shift, Fred VanVleet provided a critical spark. Udoka revealed that VanVleet was "pissed off" with the unit on the floor and shouted at the bench to rouse the players. Following this wake-up call, the Rockets scored 29 points in the third quarter. VanVleet, who finished with 17 points, two rebounds, and three assists, helped fuel a 15-2 run to close the third quarter, allowing Houston to enter the final period with a three-point lead.
Utah Jazz Struggles Continue
Utah Jazz Struggles Continue
The loss against Houston marks the Utah Jazz's 11th consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 0-2 in NBA Cup group play. The Jazz mounted a significant comeback attempt in the third quarter, led by rookie Darryn Peterson, who scored 28 points. Keyonte George contributed 10 of his 27 points during the third quarter to help Utah build their lead.
Ace Bailey added 21 points in the effort. Although the Jazz kept the game close, coming within two possessions in the final minute, Houston's VanVleet secured the win with a floater off the backboard as the shot clock expired with 37 seconds remaining. The Jazz's only win of the season came in their second game against New Orleans.
NBA Cup Standings and Future Outlook
NBA Cup Standings and Future Outlook
With the win, the Rockets move to 1-1 in NBA Cup group play and sit in third place in Group A, trailing the 2-0 Dallas Mavericks and the 1-0 Denver Nuggets. Because the top team in each group and the best second-place team from each conference advance to the knockout rounds, Houston's point differential remains a key tiebreaker.
Looking ahead, the Rockets are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards on Sunday, Nov. 15, followed by a game against the Miami Heat on Monday, Nov. 16. Coach Udoka noted that the team is still discussing whether VanVleet will play in both games of the back-to-back, especially with Marcus Smart serving a three-game suspension. The Rockets also expect backup center Steven Adams to return for one game of the back-to-back, while Clint Capela is not expected to play in either game due to an ankle injury.
Summary of Matchup
Summary of Matchup
The Houston Rockets' victory over the Utah Jazz was defined by Alperen Sengun's historic 43-point performance and a mid-game leadership surge from Fred VanVleet. While the Jazz showed energy through Darryn Peterson, the Rockets' third-quarter response secured their third straight win.
