Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant each scored 33 points as the Houston Rockets pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-99 on Monday night.
Houston entered the final period trailing by one but quickly seized control, opening the quarter with a decisive 21-9 run over the first seven minutes. The surge helped the Rockets secure their fifth win in six games.
Sengun delivered an ultra-efficient performance, going 15 of 17 from the field and a perfect 7 of 7 in the first half. He also added nine rebounds and six assists. Durant matched him with 33 points, providing the scoring punch needed as Houston took over late.
Tari Eason scored 17 points, with 11 coming before halftime, and Amen Thompson contributed eight points and 14 assists. Rookie Reed Sheppard, who was named earlier Monday to the Rising Stars game during All-Star weekend, finished with four points on 2-of-11 shooting and missed all seven of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama led Memphis with 17 points apiece as the Grizzlies dropped their third straight game and lost for the 10th time in their last 13. GG Jackson added 14 points, Jaylen Wells scored 12, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 11. Cam Spencer, also named to the Rising Stars game along with Wells and Cedric Coward, dished out 14 assists while scoring five points.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half. Memphis shot 37 percent from the field and 21 percent from 3-point range, yet held a 54-51 lead at halftime. Houston shot 39 percent overall and 20 percent from deep before breaking through in the fourth.
Memphis cut into the deficit late but was unable to close the gap. The Grizzlies played without two-time All-Star Ja Morant, who is sidelined for at least three weeks with a sprained ligament in his left elbow.
Up next:
The Grizzlies return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, while the Rockets welcome the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
