Rockets Defeat Hawks 120-110 to Start Season 4-0

The Houston Rockets improved their record to 4-0 for the first time in over a decade following a 120-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday evening at the Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun spearheaded the winning effort with a standout all-around performance, helping Houston secure its second consecutive win against Atlanta in a span of a few days.

Sengun delivered a team-high 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting from the field, alongside nine rebounds, nine assists, and six steals in 29 minutes of action. The two-time All-Star also converted six of eight free-throw attempts, finishing with a game-best plus-minus differential of plus-29.

Supporting Sengun, Kevin Durant contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, shooting 9-of-10 from the foul line. Jabari Smith Jr. added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds alongside five assists, while Amen Thompson chipped in 15 points and five rebounds. Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard also scored in double figures, adding 13 points each off the bench for the Rockets.

With the sweep of the mini-series, the Rockets moved into a tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top record in the Western Conference. Houston's strong start marks the franchise's best opening stretch since the 2014-15 season.

The Atlanta Hawks dropped to a 2-2 record on the young season following back-to-back losses to Houston, including Saturday's high-scoring meeting in Atlanta. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, connecting on 10 of 12 free throws.

Veteran guard CJ McCollum also provided a strong offensive spark for Atlanta, scoring 20 points with three assists and three steals while hitting four of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Despite the efforts of Johnson and McCollum, the Hawks could not overcome Houston's efficient shooting and defensive pressure.

The victory continues an impressive early-season run for the Rockets under head coach Ime Udoka, whose squad has relied on stellar defense and disciplined ball movement. Houston will look to extend its winning streak on Wednesday when they travel to face the Milwaukee Bucks.

Meanwhile, the Hawks will look to regroup as they continue their early-season schedule. Both teams previously entered the contest following contrasting results in their opening week matchups, but Houston has firmly established itself as an early contender in the West.