Alperen Sengun scores season-high 38 in Rockets’ 113-112 loss to Timberwolves
News Update December 29, 2024 07:02 AM
Alperen Sengun delivered a season-high 38 points in the Houston Rockets’ heartbreaking 113-112 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. Despite holding a double-digit lead with just three minutes remaining, the Rockets couldn’t finish the game, allowing the Timberwolves to make a strong comeback in the final moments.
This loss is yet another tough setback for the Rockets, who have struggled to maintain leads late in games this season. However, Sengun’s stellar performance stood out as a bright spot for the team.
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 27, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Logan Riely / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 27, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Logan Riely / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)
Alperen Sengun’s double-double not enough to win
Alperen Sengun was the standout player for the Rockets, playing 41 minutes and finishing with a season-high 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 assist. This performance marked his best of the 2024-25 season, surpassing his previous high of 35 points. His impressive display almost led the Rockets to victory, as he consistently dominated throughout the game.
With this win, the Timberwolves improved their record to 16-14, while the Rockets fell to 21-10 for the season.
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 27, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Logan Riely / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 27, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Logan Riely / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)
Rockets’ coach discusses final possession
In the final moments of the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka explained his decision not to call a timeout, saying, “We didn’t want to give the opponent’s defense a chance to set. We had a matchup we liked. Alperen had been dominant over Randle all game with his 38 points. When the double team came, he found an open teammate, but we couldn’t convert the shot.
“We wanted to take the final shot as quickly as possible, but when we got the ball to Alperen at the top, they defended it well. We then went to a post-up for him again, but the double team arrived.”
