Alperen Sengun's stellar performance of 39 points led the short-handed Houston Rockets to a thrilling 118-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers, despite the absence of Kevin Durant due to a left ankle sprain. Sengun's impressive shooting accuracy, including 13 of 25 from the field and 13 of 18 free throws, was crucial in the fourth quarter. The Rockets' win marks their third straight, fifth in six games, and third consecutive road win. Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 27 and 25 points, respectively, but couldn't prevent a 12-point deficit from becoming a loss. The game saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Pacers initially taking control of the first half before Houston mounted a late 17-4 spurt. A controversial replay review decision denied Siakam a potential game-winning shot, resulting in a 63-56 halftime lead for the Rockets. Houston maintained its momentum in the second half, extending its lead to 75-63 with a 12-5 run. The Pacers responded with a nine-point streak, reclaiming the lead at 81-79. Sengun's free throws in the final minutes sealed the Rockets' victory, showcasing his impact as a key player in the team's success.
