Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reach for a rebound during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

'I Never Back Down From Anybody' – Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun Hits Franchise Record in Win Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 7:57 AM ET

Last night, the Houston Rockets extended their winning run to five games, following a 114-104 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Overall, they have now won 10 of their last 11 games.

Alperen Sengun played a pivotal role in the win, as he won his key matchups versus Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The one-time NBA All-Star had a game-high 28 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists on 10-for-17 shooting from the field across 38 minutes of action.

“I never back down from anybody,” Sengun stated during the postgame interview via Ben DuBose of the Rockets Wire. “Doesn’t matter, even if they’re the best defender in the league. Clutch time, I’m just going to go to the rim and get my shot, and finish the game.”

Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter (12) drives on Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

According to ESPN Insights , Sengun became the first player in Houston Rockets history with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in three consecutive games.

Houston Rockets News: Alperen Sengun praises Amen Thompson’s defensive effort vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they held Donovan Mitchell to 21 points, three rebounds, and two steals on 8-for-17 shooting from the field.

Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks to pass against Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Mitchell only had two points in the first three quarters, but went on a 19-point flurry in the final period to keep it close for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Alperen Sengun credited Amen Thompson’s defense for suppressing Mitchell’s impact.

“I mean, he’s a superstar, you know? We could hold him till the third quarter, but he came back; that’s what a superstar does. I think Amen did a pretty good job on Donovan tonight,” Sengun said of Thompson.