The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with a commanding 143-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls on November 17, 2024, at the United Center. It was a showcase of offensive firepower and defensive discipline for Houston, which posted season highs in points, assists, and rebounds.
Key Performances
Alperen Şengün was the star of the night, notching his second consecutive triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in just 25 minutes. His dynamic play facilitated Houston’s dominance, as the Rockets outscored Chicago by 50 points during his minutes on the floor.
Fred VanVleet contributed a season-high 28 points on efficient 10-of-16 shooting, while Jalen Green added 18 points. The Rockets’ bench also delivered, with Amen Thompson tallying 16 points and 11 rebounds in a strong all-around effort.
For the Bulls, Zach LaVine led with 15 points but struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. Josh Giddey contributed nine points, nine rebounds, and five assists, but Chicago was outmatched on both ends of the court.
Game Flow
The game remained competitive through the first quarter, with the Rockets holding a slim 27-26 lead. However, Houston took control in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Bulls 81-52 in that stretch. A 17-0 run in the third quarter all but sealed the game, allowing the Rockets to rest their starters early.
“We played with great energy and executed on both ends,” Şengün said postgame. “This team is clicking, and we’re having fun out there.”
Team Stats
• Field Goal Percentage: Rockets 52.4%, Bulls 40.5%
• Rebounds: Rockets 66, Bulls 47
• Assists: Rockets 34, Bulls 26
• Three-Point Shooting: Rockets 10-34 (29.4%), Bulls 14-56 (25%)
The Bulls struggled to generate stops, particularly against the Rockets’ inside attack, and allowed 58 points in the paint.
Implications
The win boosts Houston to 10-4, further solidifying their status as a rising contender in the Western Conference. Chicago, now 5-9, will need to regroup to avoid slipping further in the competitive Eastern Conference standings.
“It’s a tough loss,” LaVine admitted. “We have to tighten up defensively and find ways to stop runs like that.”
The Rockets will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, while the Bulls face increasing pressure to turn their season around.