Sengun Drops 39 Points as Rockets Defeat Pacers in Durant’s Absence

Key Takeaways:

• Alperen Sengun scored 39 points and collected 16 rebounds as Houston defeated Indiana 118-114 on Monday
• Kevin Durant missed the game after spraining his left ankle, while Steven Adams remains sidelined for the season
• Pascal Siakam (27 points) and Bennedict Mathurin (25 points) led the Pacers, who were unable to extend their win streak to three

Sengun Steps Up as Rockets Cope with Injuries

Alperen Sengun equalled his season-high total by scoring 39 points and grabbing 16 rebounds to propel the Houston Rockets to a resilient 118-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday in Indianapolis. Without the services of All-Star forward Kevin Durant, and with centre Steven Adams ruled out for the remainder of the season due to ankle surgery, the Rockets relied on Sengun to shoulder the load.

Coach Ime Udoka confirmed before the game that Durant was sidelined as a result of a left ankle sprain suffered when he stepped on a fan’s foot. With key players absent, Sengun connected on 13 of his 25 field goal attempts, went 13-for-18 from the free-throw line (including 8-of-12 in the fourth quarter), and led an undermanned Houston side to its third consecutive win, and fifth in the last six outings. The Rockets have also now achieved three straight victories away from home.

Final from WINdy 🙌#AllFire pic.twitter.com/ezN66jrPqT

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 3, 2026

Pacers’ Rally Falls Short

Facing a 12-point deficit during the third period, Indiana responded with a determined run. All-Star forward Pascal Siakam finished with 27 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 25, helping the Pacers briefly seize the lead at 81-79 late in the third quarter after a sharp fast break initiated by Jarace Walker. Nevertheless, despite their efforts, Indiana could not extend its winning streak to a season-best three matches.

At the outset, the Pacers exploited Houston’s depleted roster to control the first half. However, a late 17-4 run allowed the Rockets to move ahead, and after a video replay negated what could have been a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Siakam, Indiana trailed 63-56 at the interval.

Key Moments and Final Run

Early in the second half, Houston intensified its momentum with a 12-5 surge, pulling ahead 75-63. Indiana countered by scoring nine unanswered points and managed to grab the lead as the third period waned. The contest remained tight until Sengun’s decisive free throws capped a 12-2 spurt for Houston, extending their lead to 109-101 with 4:59 left in regulation. That cushion proved enough, as the Rockets held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

• The Rockets return home and will host Boston on Wednesday night
• The Pacers are set to welcome Utah to Indianapolis on Tuesday night