Rockets Roll Past Celtics 109-93 Behind Sengun’s Dominance

Rockets Roll Past Celtics 109-93 Behind Sengun’s Dominance
For ThePowerPlayersMagazine.com | Editor Troy T | Nov. 3, 2026

The Houston Rockets improved to 7-1 and claimed sole possession of first in the West with a 109-93 home win over the Boston Celtics on Monday at Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun controlled the game with 26 points (12-15 FG), 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.⁠ESPN

Houston never trailed. Tied 29-29 after one quarter, the Rockets led 57-50 at half and pulled away with a 10-0 fourth-quarter run capped by Sengun’s hook shot. He later assisted Amen Thompson’s dunk with 2:29 left to close it out. Houston shot 54.4% overall, dominated the paint 50-34, and owned the fast break 18-2.⁠Reuters

Player Breakdown
Sengun was the clear engine—efficient inside, active as a passer, and disruptive on defense. Jabari Smith Jr. added a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) and hit 4-of-5 from three. Amen Thompson scored 14, Tari Eason contributed 13 off the bench with two blocks, and Kevin Durant chipped in 12 on 5-of-6 shooting. Fred VanVleet dished 9 assists. The supporting cast stayed balanced while the defense held Jayson Tatum to 19 points on 5-of-16 shooting.⁠Rocketswire.usatoday

Boston (now 5-2) saw its five-game win streak end. Neemias Queta scored 16 and Luka Garza added 14 off the bench, but the Celtics shot just 38.6% and 29% from three on the second night of a back-to-back (Paul George rested).⁠Nbcsportsboston

The Take
This was a statement win. Sengun’s near-perfect efficiency and playmaking make him the centerpiece of a Rockets team that blends interior force, length on the wings, and complementary scoring. Holding a rested-but-still-talented Celtics squad under 100 while moving to 7-1 shows real balance early in the season. Houston’s paint and transition advantages were decisive. The Rockets look like a legitimate top-tier West contender when Sengun sets the tone and the supporting pieces (Smith, Thompson, Eason, Durant) deliver without forcing the issue.

Next up: Minnesota at home Wednesday.