Reaction: Alperen Sengun has career night as Cavs blast short-handed Rockets

Ben DuBose

December 15, 2021 at 10:39 PM·3 min read

The Houston Rockets were without four of their five desired starters (Eric Gordon, Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green) on Wednesday in Cleveland, and head coach Stephen Silas left early due to dehydration. Meanwhile, the surging Cavaliers entered with eight wins in their last 10 games, and all by dominant double-digit margins.

To no surprise, it all added up to a 124-89 blowout (box score) by the Cavaliers (18-12), who led by 19 points after the first quarter and cruised to an easy win. Rookie big man Alperen Sengun did take advantage of widespread absences on the Rockets (9-19), setting career-highs with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. The 19-year-old shot an efficient 7-of-14 from the field (50.0%) and also dished out 5 assists.

Darius Garland led the host Cavaliers on Wednesday with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting (63.6%), while backcourt mate Isaac Okoro scored 20 points in just 22 minutes, including 3-of-3 on 3-pointers.

Besides Sengun, other Houston players to score in double figures were:

Josh Christopher: 17 points, 4 assists in 27 minutes
KJ Martin: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals in 26 minutes
David Nwaba: 11 points, 5 rebounds in 27 minutes
Jae’Sean Tate: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals in 29 minutes

Houston flew home late Wednesday night for the second half of their back-to-back on Thursday versus New York, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST from Toyota Center. Gordon is expected to return for that game, though Wood is not likely to be ready. Green and Porter remain without a projected return timetable. For now, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction following a brutal loss at Cleveland.

Rockets expect Christian Wood to miss time with left knee tendinitis

Report: Jalen Green closer to Rockets return than Kevin Porter Jr.

Report: Rockets patient with potential Eric Gordon trade, value his influence

Highlights

John Lucas, Stephen Silas

pic.twitter.com/SMdYP1Wre5 https://t.co/oJQRNrSc38
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 🗣️ (@_Talkin_NBA) December 16, 2021

John Lucas says Stephen Silas is okay and Lucas believes Silas will be back coaching tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/q1skKrF9rO
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 16, 2021

Coach Lucas says that Alperen Sengun is getting better but he still has a long way to go on the defensive end of the court. #Rockets
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) December 16, 2021

Alperen Sengun says he looks at John Lucas as a head coach already so having him replace Coach Silas after he left the court was ok for him. #Rockets
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) December 16, 2021

Alperen Sengun

You can't convince me Alperen Sengun doesn't have eyes in the back of his head. pic.twitter.com/otOKlj6qIr
— Apollo Launch Pad (@ApolloLaunchPad) December 16, 2021

“At the beginning of the season, I was feeling more nervous. But now I’m feeling more confident and taking my time. I can say I’m playing more patiently now.” – Sengun
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) December 16, 2021

“I changed some of my routines about sleeping and eating so I’m feeling better.” – Sengun
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) December 16, 2021

Jae'Sean Tate

John Lucas on Jae’Sean Tate, who made his return to Ohio tonight: "He’s what you build around. He’s what you call a culture guy."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) December 16, 2021

Jae’Sean Tate with some very positive insight concerning Stephen Silas: “He still broke the huddle (in the locker room after the game). He seems to be doing better.” pic.twitter.com/0tPKTWWw0i
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 16, 2021

[listicle id=54323]

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Reaction: Alperen Sengun has career night as Cavs blast short-handed Rockets

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