Houston Rockets Power Past Nuggets Behind Sengun’s Standout Night in NBA Cup Play

The Houston Rockets delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season on Friday night, taking down the defending champion Denver Nuggets 114–104 at Toyota Center. The win, powered by Alperen Sengun’s dominant 28-point outing, gave fans across Houston another reason to believe this young team is moving in the right direction.

The matchup carried extra weight because it came during NBA In-Season Tournament play. Houston jumped out to an early lead, controlled the pace through most of the night, and held off a late Denver push. Strong defensive stretches and timely scoring helped the Rockets remain unbeaten at home in tournament action.

Sengun Sets the Tone in the Paint

Sengun continues to evolve into one of the Rockets’ most reliable offensive anchors. He attacked Denver’s interior defense from the start and maintained that pressure through all four quarters. His 28 points came on efficient shooting, and he added rebounds and key defensive plays that energized the crowd.

While Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet also chipped in timely buckets, Sengun’s command of the offense stood out. Whenever Denver made a run, the Rockets turned back to their emerging star, and he delivered.

Houston’s Defense Keeps Jokic in Check

Containing Nikola Jokic is rarely possible, but limiting his impact can swing a game. Houston threw multiple defenders and aggressive traps at the two-time MVP. Although Jokic found ways to score, he never fully dictated the game’s rhythm.

Because of that defensive focus, Denver had to rely more on perimeter shooting and secondary scoring. That played into Houston’s hands, helping the Rockets control long stretches of the second half.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

This win gives the Rockets renewed momentum in the NBA Cup and reinforces that they can compete with elite opponents. The team’s strong execution, especially against a top-tier roster, is a promising sign for fans watching the rebuild take shape.

• The Rockets remain competitive in their group standings.
• Sengun’s growth continues to signal star potential.
• The team’s defensive identity is becoming clearer under Ime Udoka.

Most importantly, the atmosphere at Toyota Center reflected rising excitement around this team. The Rockets have been fighting for relevance over the past few seasons, and wins like this draw more eyes and energy from fans across the city.

What’s Next for Houston

The Rockets return to action soon as NBA Cup group play continues. They will need disciplined defense and consistent scoring to maintain their place in the standings. If Sengun continues to dominate and the supporting cast stays engaged, the Rockets could push for a strong tournament finish.

Houston’s next stretch of games will also offer more chances to measure their growth against playoff-caliber opponents. With every win, confidence grows both inside the locker room and across the broader Houston community.

This article is a summary of reporting by Red94. Read the full story here.