The Houston Rockets cruised to their first win of the 2025-26 season with a 137-109 blowout over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night at Toyota Center.
Tari Eason came off the bench to score 22 points, hitting five 3-pointers, while Alperen Sengun added 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists as Houston improved to 1-2. The Rockets shot 57.6 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc in their most efficient offensive performance so far this year.
Kevin Durant finished with 19 points against his former team, but the Nets fell to 0-4 after losing their second game in as many nights. Brooklyn’s defense struggled to contain Houston’s pace and ball movement, giving up 33 assists and nine turnovers.
Eason’s hot shooting helped Houston take control early, leading 42-25 after the first quarter while shooting 62.5 percent from the field. The Rockets never trailed after that, outscoring the Nets 32-17 in the third quarter to push their advantage to 103-77 heading into the final period.
Reed Sheppard added 15 points and eight assists in 24 minutes off the bench, while Amen Thompson finished with 12 points and eight assists. Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Josh Okogie also scored in double figures as nine different Rockets recorded at least one assist.
Houston’s depth was evident as the bench combined for 59 points. Steven Adams contributed eight points and eight rebounds in limited minutes, and Jeff Green added four points in his season debut.
Terance Mann led Brooklyn with 21 points, and Michael Porter Jr. scored 18 on 8-for-13 shooting. Day’Ron Sharpe had 17 points and 12 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench, but Cam Thomas — who scored 40 points in San Antonio the previous night — was limited to just nine points on 3-for-9 shooting.
The Rockets’ defensive effort kept Brooklyn at 47.7 percent shooting overall, while limiting the Nets to just 12 made free throws. Houston’s energy and efficiency built a lead that grew to 33 points in the fourth quarter before head coach Ime Udoka cleared the bench.
Brooklyn will return home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, still searching for its first win. Houston continues its homestand the same night against the Toronto Raptors, looking to build on its dominant performance.
