### Houston Rockets Triumph Over Pacers as Alperen Sengun Shines in Durant's Absence The Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought victory against the Indiana Pacers, winning 118-114 on February 3, 2026. This win was particularly significant as the Rockets played without their All-Star forward Kevin Durant, who was sidelined due to a sprained left ankle sustained when he stepped on a fan's foot. Alperen Sengun stepped up remarkably, matching his season high with 39 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 19 points. The Rockets were already missing center Steven Adams, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season following ankle surgery. Sengun's performance was pivotal in overcoming a 12-point deficit in the third quarter, showcasing his ability to lead the team in challenging circumstances [https://apnews.com/article/rockets-pacers-score-8a4ceebff06bc67f15ed92a6e6b9ed9f][https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/indiana-pacers-vs-houston-rockets-nba-2025-26-alperen-sengun-in-pics]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Player Performances**: - Alperen Sengun: 39 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists. - Jabari Smith Jr.: 19 points. - Pascal Siakam (Pacers): 27 points. 2. **Game Context**: - Rockets played without Kevin Durant and Steven Adams. - The team had to rally from a significant deficit. 3. **Game Dynamics**: - Sengun's scoring included 13 of 25 from the field and 13 of 18 from the free-throw line, with a crucial 8 of 12 in the fourth quarter. - The Pacers attempted a comeback led by Siakam but fell short. 4. **Implications of the Win**: - This victory marked the Rockets' third consecutive win. - The Pacers' loss dropped their record to 13-37, despite recent improvements. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Sengun's Performance**: - Points: 39 - Rebounds: 16 - Assists: 5 - Field Goals: 13/25 - Free Throws: 13/18 - **Team Performance**: - Rockets' total points: 118 - Pacers' total points: 114 - Rockets' comeback from a 12-point deficit in the third quarter. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Rockets In summary, the Houston Rockets demonstrated resilience and depth in their 118-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers, primarily driven by Alperen Sengun's standout performance. The absence of Kevin Durant and Steven Adams posed significant challenges, yet Sengun's ability to score and rebound effectively allowed the Rockets to secure a crucial win. This game not only highlights Sengun's potential as a leader but also raises questions about the team's adaptability in the face of adversity. 1. **Sengun's leadership was critical** in the absence of key players. 2. **The Rockets' ability to overcome deficits** showcases their competitive spirit. 3. **The Pacers' struggle continues**, reflecting their ongoing challenges this season. This victory could serve as a turning point for the Rockets as they navigate the remainder of the season [https://sports.yahoo.com/alperen-sengun-scores-39-help-025419808.html][https://www.thesportsleader.com/2026/02/02/alperen-sengun-puts-up-39-points-as-rockets-top-pacers].