Two days after breaking their significant 28-game losing streak, the Detroit Pistons suffered a heavy defeat of 136-113 against the Houston Rockets during Monday’s NBA action. The Rockets were powered by Alperen Sengun, who scored 26 points and provided nine assists, and Jalen Green, who contributed 22 points.
Currently standing at 3-30, Detroit had previously secured a narrow victory over Toronto but couldn’t maintain the momentum to achieve back-to-back wins.
Pistons coach Monty Williams reflected on the team’s challenge in maintaining consistency following their recent win. He acknowledged the emotional toll of their long losing streak and emphasized the need for quick recovery in their current situation.
“I thought about it the last day,” Williams said. “When you’re fighting for a win like we were for so long and you get one, I’m sure there’s emotional stuff that I can’t explain, but when you’re in our situation, you got to recover quickly.”
The Rockets dominated in the third quarter, with Green and Sengun combining for 37 points, resulting in a significant lead of 106-80 entering the fourth quarter. Houston’s coach, Ime Udoka, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and focus in the third quarter, which was pivotal in securing their win and breaking a three-game losing streak.
“It wasn’t the best feeling going in at halftime up four when we felt like we played well enough to be up double digits,” Houston coach Ime Udoka said. “Gave a few leads up but came out with the right mindset, focused, and had a big quarter. (We) kind of put it away there.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons Updates
Sengun, who shot 9 of 13 from the field, and Green, with five 3-pointers, were key to Houston’s victory. Sengun spoke about his aggressive play in the second half, pushing himself to perform better, acknowledging his dissatisfaction with his first-half performance.
Both Sengun and Green have been in excellent form, with Sengun scoring at least 20 points in six consecutive games and Green achieving the same in three games.
“I knew I needed to play better,” Sengun said. “I was mad at myself, and I pushed myself in the second half. I played my game. I wasn’t playing like myself in the first half. I missed a lot of shots. I didn’t play with that energy, but if you want to win, everyone has to play good, and I did my job in the third quarter.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons Updates
Alec Burks scored 21 points for the Pistons, Jaden Ivey scored 19, and Bojan Bogdanovic added 14. Jalen Duren contributed with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Pistons couldn’t keep up despite shooting 49% and making 13-29 3-pointers. Bogdanovic highlighted the team’s youth and the need for consistent effort, expressing frustration over being outworked by the Rockets.
The Rockets also had notable performances from Tari Eason, who scored 17 points, Jae’Sean Tate, who had 16 points, and Fred VanVleet, who chipped in 15 points with seven assists. Houston’s efficiency was evident in their 56% shooting, including 15-35 on 3s. They also capitalized on 18 turnovers by the Pistons, converting them into 33 points.
A unique aspect of the game was the first NBA matchup between the Thompson twins, with Houston’s Amen Thompson scoring 12 points against his brother Ausar Thompson of the Pistons, who finished with five points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons Updates
After leading 62-60 early in the third quarter, the Rockets surged ahead with a 19-4 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from VanVleet. Sengun was particularly instrumental during this period, scoring 11 points.
Looking forward, the Pistons will face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, while the Rockets will continue their seven-game homestand by hosting the Brooklyn Nets.
