Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun had a game-high 26 points and 16 rebounds, respectively, leading Houston to yet another home win in Tuesday’s 111-97 victory (box score) over Chris Paul and the visiting Phoenix Suns. The Rockets have now 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 going into the game due to hamstring tightness, and they lost Deandre Ayton midway through after the big man sprained an ankle.
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 71-50 advantage on the glass.
Rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. had an efficient 14 points and 8 rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting (80.0%), making all three of his 3-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr.had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and the Rockets were +22 over 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 season-long homestand on Thursday versus Miami, with the tip at 7 p.m. Central.
Highlights
Analysis and Interviews
Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire