The Houston Rockets (3-2) were nothing short of dominant, building a massive 36-point lead and easily dispatching the Boston Celtics (3-4) in a comfortable 128–101 win on November 2.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Alperen Sengun HOU C 16 PTS | 10 REB | 9 AST | 46.5 FPS
Sengun has been a consistent contributor across four major categories, averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals in his first five games. He’s also taken his game to the next level, posting career-best numbers in three-pointers and free throws this season.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Amen Thompson HOU SF 17 PTS | 9 REB | 8 AST | 36.8 FPS
Thompson is starting to get more comfortable in his new role, recording his third game this season with 17 or more points, his third straight with at least seven assists, and his second consecutive game with nine rebounds. However, his defensive numbers have been lacking compared to last season.
SCORING MACHINES:
Kevin Durant HOU PF 26 PTS | 8-11 FG | 8-9 FT | 39.3 FPS
KD was on fire, pouring in 20 points in just the first half and finishing with 25 points or more for the third time this season. Last year with the Suns, he achieved the feat 37 times.
Baylor Scheierman BOS SG 17 PTS | 6-7 FG | 4-5 3PT | 30.5 FPS
Scheierman stepped up today while his team struggled offensively. However, his consistency remains a question, as he’s only scored 3 in his first five games.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Clint Capela HOU C 10 REB | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 22.5 FPS
Capela made his presence felt in the paint, helping the Rockets to a +17 advantage on the boards. He’s long been a rebounding machine, averaging at least eight rebounds in each of the last nine seasons of his career.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Jabari Smith Jr. HOU PF 6 REB | 1 STL | 4 BLK | 33.2 FPS
Smith Jr. has scored in double figures in every game this season and has been heating up lately, shooting 50% or better from the field in each of his last three games. Defensively, he led all players in blocks and recorded a steal for the fifth straight game.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Reed Sheppard HOU PG 12 PTS | 4-5 3PT | 3 AST | 16.5 FPS
Sheppard finished with his second double digit scoring performance this season and has hit at least 3 triples in three of his last four games.
THE X-FACTOR:
Tari Eason HOU PF 12 PTS | 4-6 3PT | 5 REB | 19.2 FPS
Eason has been on a hot shooting streak, hitting 54% from the field and 67% or better from three in three consecutive games, while also making an impact in other categories.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Josh Minnott BOS PF 10 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 26.7 FPS
Minott continues to struggle from the field, going 3-of-16 in his last two games. He also recorded his lowest rebounding output since moving to the starting lineup, but he remains a factor on defense, averaging 2.4 stocks over his last five games.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Anfernee Simons BOS SG 3 PTS | 1-6 FG | 1 REB
Simons shot 43% from the field and 40% from three in his first six games with the Celtics. He also scored 19 or more points in two of his last three outings. However, he had a difficult time on offense against the Rockets, finishing with his first single-digit scoring performance of the season.
