The Houston Rockets are riding a five-game winning streak after a massive 143-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. Fueled by a high-powered transition offense and another triple-double from Alperen Sengun, the Rockets now turn their attention to a tough road test. They face a resilient, yet injury-plagued, Milwaukee Bucks team on Monday night in what promises to be a clash of styles.
Sengun Shines as Houston’s Offense Explodes
The Houston Rockets put on an offensive masterclass against the Bulls, with seven different players scoring in double figures. This balanced attack allowed the starters to get some rest ahead of their back-to-back game in Milwaukee.
Alperen Sengun continued his breakout season, recording his second consecutive triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He was not the only one filling the stat sheet. Fred VanVleet led the team with 28 points, while Jalen Green added an efficient 18 points. The bench also made a significant impact, led by Amen Thompson’s 16-point, 11-rebound double-double.
This victory marked the Rockets’ seventh win in their last eight games, a clear sign that the team is finding its groove under first-year head coach Ime Udoka.
Transition Game is the Key to Success
According to Coach Udoka, the team’s recent success starts on the defensive end. “When we can get stops and turnovers and get out [in transition], that’s been a calling card lately,” he said after the win.
The numbers back up his statement. Against Chicago, the Rockets scored an impressive 32 fast-break points. This has become a trend during their winning streak, as they are averaging 22.4 transition points per game over that stretch. This ability to turn defense into easy offense has been the engine driving their climb in the standings.
Fred VanVleet commented on the team’s recent form, noting, “We’re just finding our rhythm… we’re finding our flow, and right now we’ve got it in a good place.”
Bucks Battle Through Injuries
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing their own set of challenges but have shown remarkable resilience. They are coming off a narrow 115-114 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, a game they played without stars Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard.
With key players sidelined, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been carrying a massive load for the team. In his last six games, he has been on a tear, putting up incredible numbers:
- 33.7 points per game
- 12.3 rebounds per game
- 5.8 assists per game
Despite the injuries, Antetokounmpo believes the team is playing well. “I think the last five or six games we’ve been playing good basketball,” he said. “For us to win games, you have to guard. There isn’t any other way.”
A Contrast in Styles
The upcoming game will feature two teams that win in very different ways. The Rockets thrive in an up-tempo game, using their defense to create fast-break opportunities. The Bucks, especially with their injuries, have relied on their defensive principles and the singular brilliance of Antetokounmpo.
A look at the key stats from each team’s most recent game highlights this contrast.
| Stat | Rockets (vs Bulls) | Bucks (vs Hornets) |
|---|---|---|
| Points in the Paint | 56 | 38 |
| Fast-Break Points | 32 | 14 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Bench Points | 26 | 34 |
Houston’s dominance in the paint and in transition is clear, while Milwaukee’s deeper bench production was crucial in their competitive game against Charlotte.
What is at Stake in Milwaukee
For the Rockets, this game is a major test. A win in Milwaukee against a perennial contender would further legitimize their winning streak and prove their young core is ready to compete with the league’s best.
The Bucks, on the other hand, are looking to get back on track and hold down the fort until Lillard and Middleton can return. A victory against a hot Rockets team would be a huge boost for their confidence. The matchup at the Fiserv Forum will be a fascinating battle between Houston’s speed and Milwaukee’s strength.
