Alperen Şengün’s 33-point night fuels Rockets’ fourth-quarter comeback win over Grizzlies at Toyota Center
Houston flips a one-point deficit into a nine-point victory
The Houston Rockets erased a second-half deficit and pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-99 on Monday night, Jan. 26, 2026, at Toyota Center. Houston entered the final period down one, then opened the quarter with a decisive surge that changed the game’s direction and secured the team’s fifth win in its last six games.
Alperen Şengün anchored the comeback with 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists, finishing 15-of-17 from the field. Kevin Durant matched him with 33 points, and the Rockets used a 32-point fourth quarter to separate after three tightly contested periods.
Fourth-quarter run breaks a game defined by early shooting struggles
Both teams labored offensively in the first half. Memphis led 54-51 at halftime despite shooting 37% from the floor and 21% from three-point range. Houston’s perimeter shooting was similarly muted early, and the game remained within single digits for most of the first three quarters.
The turning point came immediately after the start of the fourth. With Houston trailing 77-76, the Rockets put together a rapid run that created breathing room and forced Memphis to chase the game for the remainder of the night. The Grizzlies narrowed the margin late but did not get back to even.
Şengün’s efficiency and playmaking steer Houston’s offense
Şengün set the tone with an exceptionally efficient shooting night, including a perfect first half from the field. His scoring inside and ability to find teammates helped Houston maintain offensive structure during a game in which long-range shots were not consistently falling. Durant’s second-half production helped Houston capitalize once the Rockets gained momentum.
- Alperen Şengün: 33 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists; 15-of-17 shooting
- Kevin Durant: 33 points
- Amen Thompson: 14 assists
- Tari Eason: 17 points
Memphis shorthanded as skid continues
Memphis was without Ja Morant, who is expected to miss at least three weeks with a sprained ligament in his left elbow sustained earlier in the week. The Grizzlies also arrived in Houston after a disrupted stretch that included a postponement of a scheduled Sunday game because of extreme weather in the Memphis area.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama led Memphis with 17 points each. GG Jackson added 14, Jaylen Wells scored 12, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 11. Cam Spencer recorded 14 assists.
Houston improved to 28-16 overall and 16-3 at home. Memphis fell to 18-26 and has dropped three straight.
Next up, the Rockets host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, while the Grizzlies return home to face the Charlotte Hornets.