Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun had a game-high 26 points and 16 rebounds, respectively, leading Houston to yet another home win, 111-97 (box score), over Chris Paul and the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
The Rockets have won five straight games at Toyota Center along with three of their last four overall and six of 10.
It was an inspirational win for the Rockets in the return of head coach Stephen Silas, who had missed Sunday’s game following the death of his father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas.
Paul led the short-handed Suns with 16 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, shooting just 5-of-17 from the field (29.4%) and 2-of-10 on 3-pointers (20.0%). Phoenix (16-12) was without All-Star Devin Booker due to hamstring tightness, and they lost Deandre Ayton to a sprained ankle during the contest.
After holding opponents below 100 points just twice in their first 25 games, the resurgent Rockets (9-18) have held Milwaukee and Phoenix to 92 and 97 points, respectively, in back-to-back home wins.
On offense, despite making just 1-of-7 from 3-point range (14.3%) and 7-of-17 shots overall (41.2%), Green was still relatively efficient in his 26 points thanks to an 11-of-12 showing (91.7%) at the free-throw line. Sengun had 10 points and those massive 16 rebounds, helping Houston to an overwhelming advantage, 71-50, on the glass.
Rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. had an efficient 14 points and 8 rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting (80%), making all three of his 3-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr.had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and the Rockets were plus-22 during his 33 minutes played, best of any player.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction. Houston (9-18) plays the third game of its longest homestand of the season on Thursday versus Miami. The tip is 7 p.m. Central.