HOUSTON — In a game with potentially significant standings implications, Rockets center Alperen Sengun led the way with a career-high-tying 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists in Saturday’s thrilling 127-126 overtime win (box score) over the Jazz. A rising All-Star candidate, Sengun made 15-of-26 shots (57.7%) for the game, often while facing strong defense from Utah’s Walker Kessler.
With Saturday’s result in, Houston (20-21) and Utah (22-22) are currently separated by a half-game in an extremely tight race for the final two play-in tournament spots in the Western Conference.
Sengun and rookie Amen Thompson each had a key late block for the Rockets, who played the final two minutes of regulation and overtime without Fred VanVleet, who fouled out. Houston’s veteran floor general finished with 18 points and 7 assists.
Jabari Smith Jr. had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50.0%). Smith’s free throw in the final minute of overtime was the decisive point, though it came at a cost, since he subsequently limped off with a sprained left ankle (which occurred on the foul leading to free throws).
Fellow rookie Cam Whitmore was impressive with 17 points and 5 rebounds in 27 reserve minute, shooting 4-of-6 from 3-point range (66.7%). That helped Houston survive another off night from starter Jalen Green, who had 7 points while missing all six of his 3-pointers.
The Jazz were led by veteran guards Jordan Clarkson (33 points) and Collin Sexton (28 points). But despite combining to score 61, each missed a close shot in the final 40 seconds of overtime that could have put Utah in front. The Jazz had won 12 of their previous 15 games going in, while the Rockets were coming off a 1-5 road trip.
Here’s our look at Saturday’s highlights and postgame interviews from Toyota Center, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston continues its homestand with night two of a back-to-back on Sunday versus Boston (32-10), with tipoff at 6:00 p.m. Central.