Alperen Şengün’s Late Heroics Lift Houston Rockets in Wild Finish

Houston Rockets fans got the kind of ending they live for on Friday night as Alperen Şengün stepped up in the final seconds to seal a dramatic win over the Dallas Mavericks. The game, played on the road in Dallas, came down to the wire before the young Rockets star delivered the decisive bucket. For a team fighting to climb the Western Conference standings, the moment felt big — and Houston responded with energy.

Şengün, who has already become a cornerstone of the franchise, once again showed why he’s one of the most exciting players in the league. His late-game poise helped Houston escape with the narrow victory, silencing the home crowd and electrifying fans back in Houston. With both teams locked in a tense battle throughout the night, it came down to execution in the final minute, and the Rockets found their closer.

The Rockets’ supporting cast also delivered key contributions, keeping the game within reach before Şengün took control. Even on a night when momentum swung both ways, Houston showed resilience and maturity that hasn’t always been present in recent seasons. Head coach Ime Udoka praised his team’s late-game execution, noting that strong defensive pressure set up the chance for Şengün’s winning moment.

Why It Matters

This win holds weight beyond the standings. Houston’s growth in late-game situations reflects a team learning how to compete against Western Conference contenders. Şengün’s emergence as a go-to option in crunch time is also a significant development for the franchise, giving the Rockets a reliable force to lean on when games tighten.

The rivalry with Dallas adds extra flavor, making the win even sweeter for Houston fans. As the season intensifies, games like this shape playoff hopes and define team identity.

What’s Next

The Rockets return home ready to build on this momentum as they continue their push toward securing a postseason spot. If Şengün keeps performing at this level, Houston’s ceiling may be higher than many expected at the start of the season.

This article is a summary of reporting by the Houston Chronicle. Read the full story here.