CHICAGO – Alperen Şengün delivered a stellar performance with a triple-double, but the Houston Rockets couldn’t overcome a strong showing from the Chicago Bulls, falling 132-124 at the United Center on Saturday. The loss marked the Rockets’ 28th defeat of the season.
Şengün, playing approximately 38 minutes, finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, adding 2 steals and 2 blocks to his impressive stat line. This marked the fourth triple-double of the season for the Turkish center, solidifying his status as a key player for Houston. For context, a triple-double – reaching double figures in three statistical categories – is a rare feat in professional basketball, showcasing a player’s all-around impact on the game.
Despite Şengün’s efforts, the Rockets struggled to contain the Bulls’ offense. Kevin Durant led Houston in scoring with 40 points, while Amen Thompson contributed 23. Though, it wasn’t enough to match Chicago’s balanced attack.
Collin Sexton paced the Bulls with 25 points, and Matas Buzelis added 23. Notably, seven players on the Bulls roster scored in double figures, demonstrating the team’s depth and offensive versatility. The Bulls, snapping a two-game losing streak, secured their 29th win of the season.
Thunder Extend Winning Streak to 12, Adem Bona Contributes
In Oklahoma City, the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominant form, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-103. The Thunder have now won 12 consecutive games, bringing their season record to an impressive 57-25.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 22 points, while Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams each added 18. The Thunder’s consistent performance throughout the season has positioned them as strong contenders in the Western Conference playoff picture.
The 76ers, who suffered their 33rd loss of the season, were led by VJ Edgecombe’s 35 points and Trendon Watford’s 15. Turkish national team player Adem Bona, making his first start, played approximately 26 minutes, contributing 3 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Bona’s increasing role on the team highlights the Thunder’s commitment to developing young talent.
Şengün’s performance, while ultimately in a losing effort, continues to showcase his growth as a player. The 23-year-old, drafted 16th overall in the 2021 NBA draft, has quickly become a focal point of the Rockets’ offense. He was too named an NBA All-Star in both 2025 and 2026, according to NBA records. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him a unique and valuable asset for Houston.
The Rockets will gaze to rebound from this defeat in their next game, while the Bulls will aim to build on their recent victory. The Thunder, meanwhile, will continue to pursue the top seed in the Western Conference as the regular season nears its conclusion. The NBA season is rapidly approaching the playoffs, and teams are battling for positioning to secure favorable matchups.
Next up for Alperen Şengün and the Houston Rockets is a matchup against the [Opponent and Date to be confirmed – checking NBA.com]. Fans can follow the team’s progress and uncover updated schedules on the official NBA website: https://www.nba.com/.
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