Green, Sengun lead Rockets to 105-86 victory over Nuggets

On Friday night, Jalen Green showcased his skills with a notable 25-point performance, complemented by Alperen Sengun's impressive 21 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Houston Rockets to a decisive 105-86 victory over the struggling Denver Nuggets in the NBA's In-Season Tournament. Houston, now 2-1 in the tournament, gears up for their final game against Dallas next week, while Denver concludes group play at 2-2, facing challenges after their initial 8-1 start.

Despite Nikola Jokic's remarkable season-high of 38 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists, Denver faced defensive pressure from Houston, focusing on containing Jokic and limiting others. Aaron Gordon's challenging night, shooting 0 for 12, contributed to the Nuggets' overall 33.7% shooting performance.

Houston coach Ime Udoka emphasized the successful execution of their game plan against Jokic, stating, “We guarded Jokic one-on-one and kept everybody else in check.” The victory marked Houston's third consecutive win over the Nuggets, signaling growth and learning opportunities for the Rockets.

While Denver coach Michael Malone expressed disappointment in the team's 1-4 road trip, he hinted at potential changes in the rotation, emphasizing the need for contributions from all players. The Nuggets struggled off the bench, scoring only 10 points on the night.

Heading into the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead, Houston faced a brief challenge from the Nuggets, who narrowed the gap to 84-75. However, key plays from Green, including a 3-point play and an alley-oop dunk, secured the Rockets' lead.

The Rockets, now 8-1 at home, aim to improve their road record, acknowledging the support of their fans. Jalen Green highlighted the team's focus on securing a road win, stating, “We've just got to get a win on the road now. I think that's our biggest goal. So that's what we're focused on."

Looking ahead, the Nuggets will host San Antonio on Saturday night, while the Rockets conclude group play in the in-season tournament with a matchup against Dallas on Tuesday night.