Rockets Beat Celtics 109-93 Behind Sengun

Houston moves to 7-1 and holds sole first place in the Western Conference after Tuesday's win over Boston.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball

Rockets Beat Celtics 109-93 Behind Sengun

The Houston Rockets defeated the Boston Celtics 109-93 on Tuesday night, improving to 7-1. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 26 points.

Why it matters

The win gives Houston sole possession of first place in the Western Conference through the early stretch of the 2026-27 season. It also comes amid questions about how the offense is distributing shots among its stars.

Kevin Durant attempted fewer than 10 shots for the third time in Houston's first eight games, scoring 12 points on eight field goal attempts. Jabari scored 14 points in this game after 30 in the prior outing, and the stub does not explain the drop-off.

The players

Kevin Durant

Durant is a veteran Houston Rockets forward and one of the NBA's most prolific scorers, whose shot volume drew a reporter's question after this game.

Alperen Sengun

Sengun is a Houston Rockets center who led the team in scoring with 26 points in this win.

Ime Udoka

Udoka is the head coach of the Houston Rockets.

The details

Houston led the Celtics throughout a 109-93 win on Tuesday night. When a reporter asked Durant about his low shot volume, he responded by asking why he was being singled out, noting the reporter had not asked about other players' shot variety or solo camera coverage.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Rockets defeat Celtics 109-93.
First eight games of the 2026-27 season: Durant attempts fewer than 10 shots three times.

Season Trajectory

Houston's 7-1 start and sole first place in the West place the Rockets among the early contenders in the conference. Durant's repeated sub-10 shot games are a recurring storyline that could shape how the team balances its scoring over the season.

Houston's early lead in the West matters for fantasy managers tracking Sengun's scoring and Durant's usage. Fans following the Rockets can track whether the 7-1 start holds as the schedule continues.

The takeaway

Early-season records and shot distribution often signal how a team will balance its stars over a longer season. Houston's start and Durant's usage are worth watching as the schedule develops.