Sengun’s Early Exit Leaves Rockets Shorthanded in Dallas Defeat

The Houston Rockets’ momentum hit an abrupt halt Saturday night in Dallas when Alperen Sengun rolled his right ankle less than two minutes into the contest. The All-Star center landed awkwardly while contesting a rebound, immediately limping to the bench and ultimately being ruled out for the remainder of the 110–104 road loss.

The timing could not have been worse. Already without backup center Steven Adams because of a right ankle sprain, Houston was suddenly down to Clint Capela as its only true big man. Sengun had only recently returned from a calf strain and entered the night enjoying the most productive season of his career.

Through 28 games, the Turkish star has averaged 21.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting over 51% from the field. His playmaking from the post has been a cornerstone of Houston’s offense, making his early departure a strategic and emotional blow.

With Sengun gone, the Rockets were forced to lean heavily on Kevin Durant, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson to stabilize the game — a difficult task against a Dallas team that quickly sensed opportunity.

1. A Promising Start Unravels

Houston initially masked the loss with a burst of energy. Durant poured in 14 first-quarter points as the Rockets jumped to a 20–9 lead, spreading the floor and attacking Dallas before the Mavericks could settle. That edge evaporated in the second quarter. Dallas caught fire offensively, shooting 59% from the field while Houston misfired repeatedly, going just 7-of-28 in the period. Anthony Davis anchored the Mavericks’ surge, patrolling the paint with authority. His five blocks included a pivotal rejection of Eason that triggered a transition three by Klay Thompson, stretching the Dallas lead to 11 late in the half. By intermission, the rhythm of the game had shifted decisively, and Houston was left chasing without its primary interior hub.

2. Mavericks Exploit the Interior

The numbers told the story. Dallas finished the night shooting 55% overall and outscored Houston 66–54 in the paint, repeatedly exploiting the Rockets’ depleted frontcourt. Max Christie delivered one of the most efficient performances of his career, scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including four makes from deep. His late dunk with just over a minute remaining effectively sealed the outcome. The Rockets, meanwhile, struggled from distance, connecting on only 10 of 41 three-point attempts and finishing at 38.7% from the field. The offense often stalled into late-clock heaves, a byproduct of missing Sengun’s passing presence. Houston did find success on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive rebounds and converting all 15 of its second-chance points. Yet those extra possessions were not enough to counter Dallas’ efficiency.

3. Durant Carries, Questions Remain

Durant led the Rockets with 34 points and seven assists, battling through four fouls in the second half while trying to keep Houston within striking distance. His aggression was constant, but the supporting cast struggled to match his output. Jabari Smith Jr. endured a difficult night, scoring just seven points on 2-of-13 shooting. Without Sengun’s inside-out gravity, shots that normally come in rhythm felt forced. The loss snapped Houston’s four-game winning streak and dropped them back into a crowded Western Conference race, where health is increasingly becoming as important as talent. The Rockets now turn their attention to Monday’s home game against the Phoenix Suns, hoping for positive news on Sengun’s ankle as they attempt to stabilize a season that suddenly feels fragile.