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Rockets Beat Celtics 109-93 as Sengun Stars and Houston Takes West Lead
Alperen Sengun scored 26 points with 10 assists as the Houston Rockets beat the Boston Celtics 109-93 on Monday night at Toyota Center, snapping Boston's five-game winning streak and moving into first place in the Western Conference. Houston improved to 7-1, its best start since the 2014-15 season, while Boston fell to 5-2 after its first defeat since the season opener at Detroit.
Key Points
- Alperen Sengun posted 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as Houston beat Boston 109-93.
- The Rockets moved to 7-1 and into first place in the West after Memphis lost for the first time.
- Boston's five-game winning streak ended, with Jayson Tatum held to 19 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
- Jabari Smith Jr. added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Amen Thompson scored 14 for Houston.
- Houston never trailed, outscoring Boston 18-2 on the fast break and 50-34 in the paint.
What Happened
Houston took its first double-digit advantage at 25-15 after back-to-back three-pointers from Tari Eason, but Boston closed the first period with a 14-4 rally keyed by Jayson Tatum and tied the game at 29-29. The Rockets led by 11 three times in the second quarter, yet a late Tatum three-pointer cut the margin to 57-50 at half-time. Houston struggled to pull away until the fourth quarter. A Sengun block led to a transition three-pointer from Jabari Smith Jr. that stretched the gap to 75-68 in the third, and Kevin Durant sank his only shot attempt of the second half with 16.9 seconds left to give Houston an 82-73 lead entering the fourth. The Rockets then used a 10-0 fourth-quarter rally to seal the win, with Sengun capping the run with a hook shot that lifted Houston to a 97-79 lead. After Boston clawed within 13, Sengun passed out of a trap and assisted on an Amen Thompson dunk with 2:29 left that secured the result.
Background: Houston's Best Start in More Than a Decade
The Rockets have won seven of their first eight games, and the victory over Boston was the clearest statement yet of their ambitions. Houston shot 54.4 percent from the field and 14 of 35 from three-point range, and the fast-break and paint numbers told the story of a team that played with pace and physicality all night. Sengun finished 12 of 15 from the field with two steals and two blocks and a plus-21 rating in 37 minutes, with only one turnover. Fred VanVleet returned from rest to add eight points and nine assists, Reed Sheppard returned from a back injury to score eight, and Marcus Smart gave Houston eight points, four rebounds and four assists against his former team. Boston, meanwhile, was on the second night of a back-to-back after a 108-97 win at Orlando on Sunday, and rested Paul George, who had scored 17 points in that game. The Celtics still had chances, but shot only 30.8 percent from three as a combined total with Houston across the first half, and never found a sustained answer to Sengun in the paint.
Rockets Beat Celtics as Sengun Takes Over in the Fourth
Sengun's line only partly captures his influence. He scored 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the first half, then took over when the game tightened, blocking shots, finding cutters out of double teams and finishing through contact. Smith's double-double gave Houston a second frontcourt threat, Thompson attacked the rim for 14 points, and Eason added 13 off the bench. Durant, quiet by his standards with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, still delivered the late third-quarter basket that pushed the lead to nine entering the fourth. For Boston, Tatum led the way with 19 points and nine assists but missed 11 of 16 shots, Neemias Queta posted 16 points and six rebounds, and Luka Garza added 14 points with four three-pointers off the bench. Boston was frequently flustered by Smart's defence and physicality, and the Celtics' five-game winning streak ended with a reminder that the second night of a back-to-back, against the West's new leaders, is a harsh test.
Reactions and Quotes
Reports from Houston framed the win as a marker for a Rockets team that now sits alone at the top of the Western Conference. The hosts never trailed against a Celtics side that had won five straight, and the fourth-quarter execution, with Sengun directing traffic and Houston defending without fouling, suggested a team growing in confidence. For Boston, the defeat was treated as a scheduling loss as much as a basketball one: a tired team, without George, running into a rested and physical opponent. The Celtics will still take encouragement from staying within reach for three quarters, but the fourth-quarter gap showed how far Houston's depth and size can stretch a short-handed opponent.
Why It Matters
Houston's 7-1 start matters because it has come against serious opposition and in different ways: grinding wins, shooting nights and, now, a fourth-quarter takeover against the East's form team. Moving into first place in the West, ahead of Memphis after the Grizzlies' first defeat, gives the Rockets an early cushion and a growing belief that this season can be about seeding rather than simply reaching the playoffs. For Boston, the loss ends a five-game run but does not change the broader picture: at 5-2, with George being managed carefully and Tatum still finding his shooting rhythm, the Celtics remain firmly in the East's top group. The rematch, whenever it comes, will be a useful measuring stick for both sides.
What Happens Next
Houston stays home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, 4 November. Boston hosts the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, looking to start a new winning streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Rockets and Celtics?
Houston won 109-93 at Toyota Center on Monday, 2 November 2026.
How did Alperen Sengun play?
Sengun scored 26 points on 12-of-15 shooting with 10 assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
What does the win mean for the Western Conference?
Houston moved to 7-1 and into first place in the West after Memphis lost for the first time.
Why was Paul George absent for Boston?
Boston rested George on the second night of a back-to-back after he scored 17 points in Sunday's win at Orlando.
Who do the teams play next?
Houston hosts Minnesota on Wednesday, and Boston hosts Milwaukee on Wednesday.
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