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Durant leads Rockets past Pistons as Sengun shines in road win

Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives around Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, January 23, 2025. (AFP Photo)
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Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives around Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, January 23, 2025. (AFP Photo)
January 24, 2026 01:17 PM GMT+03:00

The Houston Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons 111-104 on Friday in Detroit, snapping a five-game road losing streak and securing their 27th win of the season.

Kevin Durant paced the Rockets with 32 points, shooting 11-of-19 from the field, while adding seven rebounds and three assists. The game remained close through the first half, but Houston pulled away by outscoring Detroit 34-20 in the third quarter and held the lead throughout the fourth.

Alperen Sengun contributes on both ends

Türkiye’s national team center Alperen Sengun played a key supporting role, finishing with 19 points and five assists. The 21-year-old continues to anchor Houston’s frontcourt with a consistent mix of interior scoring and playmaking.

Amen Thompson also made an all-around impact with 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. His twin brother Ausar Thompson, playing for Detroit, recorded 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, in a game that marked the first NBA matchup between the siblings this season.

Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Jae'sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, January 23, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Jae'sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, January 23, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Pistons' win streak ends despite strong individual efforts

The Pistons, who entered the game on a four-game winning run, were led by Jalen Duren with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Cade Cunningham returned from a one-game absence to post 12 points and eight assists, while Isaiah Stewart and Ronald Holland chipped in with 16 and 13 points, respectively.

The loss leaves Detroit searching for renewed momentum as they continue to balance player development with competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

January 24, 2026 01:17 PM GMT+03:00
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