Alperen Şengün's Career Performance Leads Rockets To Victory Over Wembanyama and Spurs

Alperen Şengün led the Rockets to victory with his best career performance. He finished with a career-best 45 points on 19 of 32 shooting. Şengün added 16 rebounds in the win, resulting in his 28th double-double of the season.

The third-year Turkish native also had an impressive performance on the defensive end, adding five steals and a block.

Şengün wasn't a solo act amid his performance against San Antonio. Jalen Green added 23 points on 11 of 23 shooting to continue his impressive scoring. He came into the game averaging 34.0 points following Houston's two-game series against the Phoenix Suns.

The pairing of Green and Şengün helped Houston take control with their two-man play during the third quarter. The Rockets entered the halftime break down 53-47, but due to the play of Green and Şengün, Houston took an 80-77 lead into the fourth period. They scored a combined 24 of Houston's 33 points during the period.

Cam Whitmore came off the bench and gave the Rockets a significant boost during the second half, scoring 14 of his 19 points. 

The Spurs jumped out to an early 5-0 lead due to the production of Victor Wembanyama. The rookie sensation scored his first two baskets with a layup and a 3-point field goal. But after starting the night 2 of 2 from the field, Wembanyama missed six of his final eight shot attempts. He finished the game with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Malaki Branham led the way for San Antonio with a team-best 20 points, while Keldon Johnson added 18 points and six rebounds in the loss.