Alperen Sengun scored a season-high 43 points and collected 12 rebounds to power the Houston Rockets past the Utah Jazz 125-118 in NBA Cup play on Friday, November 13, 2026. The victory handed the Jazz their 11th consecutive loss in a season where their only win came against New Orleans.
Sengun's Dominant Performance
Sengun's performance marked his second career 40-point game. His previous 40-point outing occurred in 2024, when he recorded a career-high 45 points against the San Antonio Spurs. During Friday's contest, Sengun displayed high efficiency, converting 17 of 24 attempts from the floor.
Rockets Offense and Standings
The Rockets (10-3) relied on Sengun's scoring boost as Kevin Durant struggled with shooting efficiency. Durant finished the game with 22 points, but was held to just 5 makes on 14 field goal attempts. Despite the difficulty for Durant, Houston managed to secure the win and improved to a 1-1 record in NBA Cup play, having won their last three games overall.
Game Momentum and Scoring Shifts
The game remained competitive early, with both teams tied at 27 points after the first quarter. However, Sengun's nine points during the second quarter helped Houston establish a 63-53 lead heading into halftime. The Jazz attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, led by Keyonte George, who scored 10 of his 27 points during that period to narrow the Houston advantage to 92-89.
Late Game Tension
Utah maintained pressure late in the game, managing to get within two possessions during the final minute of play. However, Durant secured the win for the Rockets by converting a pair of free throws in the closing seconds. The Jazz (1-12) saw Darryn Peterson lead the team with 28 points, while Ace Bailey contributed 21 points.
Jazz Season Outlook
The loss extends a significant skid for the Utah Jazz, who sit at a 1-12 record for the season. Their lone victory to date was recorded during their second game of the season against New Orleans. The Jazz are scheduled to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
Upcoming Schedule
As the NBA Cup group stage continues, the Rockets have two games remaining in the stage. Following their win in Houston, the Rockets are scheduled to play at Washington on Sunday.
Team Records
The Rockets currently hold a 10-3 record, while the Jazz continue to struggle with an 11-game losing streak.
