Kevin Durant scored 23 points, while Reed Sheppard added a season-high 21 off the bench as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 135-112 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at Toyota Center.
Tari Eason contributed a season-best 20 points, and Alperen Sengun recorded 16 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.
Houston controlled the game early, holding a 27-point lead at halftime and maintaining double-digit advantage for much of the night. Washington outscored the Rockets 33-22 in the third quarter but could not close the gap in the fourth.
Alex Sarr had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Wizards, while Kyshawn George added 16 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. Washington extended its losing streak to 10 games, falling to 1-11 this season.
Amen Thompson scored 18 points with eight assists for Houston, who improved to 7-3. The Rockets dominated the boards, outrebounding Washington 53-37, including a 20-12 advantage on the offensive glass.
A 3-pointer from Sengun and a late 5-0 run capped by Sheppard sealed the win, allowing coach Ime Udoka to clear the bench in the final minutes. Houston’s balanced scoring and efficiency from deep, hitting 17 of 35 three-pointers, proved decisive.
Houston will host Portland on Friday as part of its three-game homestand, while Washington returns home to face Brooklyn on Sunday.
