Sengun dominates with 36 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks! Rockets sweep Pelicans for third win, securing Warriors and Blazers' playoff berth

On March 30, the Rockets defeated the Pelicans 134-102 away, marking their third victory over the opponent this season. This win also ensures that the Trail Blazers and Warriors have clinched playoff spots, eliminating direct playoff qualification. The Rockets led by 21 points at halftime, maintained their advantage in the second half, and ultimately secured the win. Sengun excelled in both offense and defense, scoring 36 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, delivering 7 assists, making 3 steals, and blocking 3 shots, shooting 12 out of 23 field goals, 5 out of 7 three-pointers, and 7 out of 8 free throws.Statistics show that Sengun became the first player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 5 three-pointers in a single game.

Statistical Data

Rockets: Sengun 36 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 three-pointers, 3 steals, 3 blocks; Durant 20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists; Smith Jr. 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Eason 15 points, 7 rebounds; Amen 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals; Holiday 9 points; Sheppard 6 points; Capela 6 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks

Pelicans: Murray 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists; Zion 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Bey 18 points, 7 rebounds; Quinn 13 points, 3 rebounds; Fells 12 points, 5 assists; Jones 10 points, 3 rebounds; Missi 8 points, 5 rebounds

Player of the Game

Sengun delivered a comprehensive performance with hot shooting from outside, helping the Rockets defeat the Pelicans.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Zion dunked, Sengun scored with a mid-range shot, Durant and Smith Jr. hit consecutive three-pointers, Amen also scored with a layup, giving the Rockets a 14-8 start. Bey and Murray responded from outside, Zion dunked again, Jones hit a three-pointer, and the Pelicans overtook the Rockets by 5 points. Durant scored with a mid-range shot, Eason and Holiday hit three-pointers, and Bey added another three-pointer. At the end of the first quarter, the Rockets tied the Pelicans 29-29.

In the second quarter, Smith Jr. and Sengun hit consecutive three-pointers, and the Rockets launched an 8-0 run. Fells scored a 2+1, Sengun and Smith Jr. hit more three-pointers, Tate scored with a putback, Smith Jr. dunked, Eason hit another three-pointer, and the Rockets extended their lead to 20 points. Matkovic scored with an alley-oop dunk, Durant and Murray scored with layups, Eason also dunked, Durant received a technical foul, Amen scored 4 points in the last 47 seconds of the half, and Durant and Udoka were dissatisfied with the referee's calls, receiving technical fouls consecutively. The Rockets led the Pelicans 68-47 at halftime. Sengun had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the first half.

After halftime, Murray scored with a mid-range shot, Sheppard and Jones exchanged three-pointers. Murray scored with a layup, Sheppard and Sengun hit three-pointers, Amen dunked on an alley-oop, Zion scored with a putback, and the Pelicans trailed by 15 points. Capela and Missi exchanged dunks, Durant scored a 2+1 and added 7 points, Quinn received a technical foul, Amen made two free throws, and the Rockets expanded their lead to 21 points. At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets led the Pelicans 101-80.

In the fourth quarter, Fells scored 5 points consecutively, Sengun and Smith Jr. hit three-pointers, Sengun scored with a mid-range shot to reach his 30th point. Bey scored with a putback, Holiday hit a three-pointer, Sengun scored with a layup, and the Rockets led by 26 points. Sengun continued scoring through shots and free throws, eventually reaching 36 points before being substituted. The game entered garbage time, and ultimately, the Rockets easily defeated the Pelicans.

Starting Lineups

Rockets: Sheppard, Amen, Durant, Smith Jr., Sengun

Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, Jones, Bey, Zion, Missi