Thompson’s Season-High 27 Points Lead Rockets to Fourth Consecutive Win
HOUSTON (AP) — Amen Thompson scored a season-high 27 points, while Alperen Sengun contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds as the Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-102 on Monday night.
After losing the first two games of the season, the Rockets have now won four in a row.
Closing Minutes Highlight
The Rockets held a slim lead when Sengun drove into the lane, spun past a defender, and made a key shot to put Houston ahead 105-102 with about 90 seconds remaining. Washington missed a 3-pointer, then Josh Okogie extended the lead to 107-102 with two free throws with a minute left.
D’Angelo Russell missed a 3-pointer, and Thompson added one of two free throws to increase the lead to 108-102 with 27 seconds left. Thompson then blocked a 3-point attempt by the No. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg, and Tari Eason sealed the win with a dunk.
Mavericks’ Efforts
Washington posted season highs with 29 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas, playing without Anthony Davis due to a strained calf. Max Christie contributed 17 points, and Flagg recorded 12 points and five rebounds. The Mavericks fell to 2-5 on the season.
Durant’s Night
Kevin Durant scored 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished five assists despite shooting just 6 of 18 from the field. Durant, who missed his first six 3-point attempts, made his first three-pointer of the game while the Rockets clung to a one-point lead. After a layup by Daniel Gafford, Durant hit another 3-pointer to make it 99-94 with five minutes remaining.
“Houston has won four straight after dropping its first two games of the season.”
Author’s summary: Amen Thompson’s career-best scoring and key plays by Sengun secured the Houston Rockets’ narrow 110-102 win over Dallas, marking their fourth consecutive victory.