HOUSTON — A career night from Alperen Sengun, Aaron Gordon’s 50-point outburst and an injury to Kevin Porter Jr. highlighted Thursday’s NBA developments for the Rockets, Nuggets and Bucks.
Rockets
Sengun, who converted only 21 three-pointers all of last season, drilled 5-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc during Houston’s overtime defeat to the Thunder on Tuesday. One Western Conference scout told ESPN the new perimeter threat “would be a game-changer” if it proves sustainable, while another scout credited the center’s growing command of Houston’s offense.
In other Rockets news, veteran guard Fred VanVleet — just weeks removed from ACL surgery — joined practice Thursday in a quasi-coaching role. He worked with rookie guards Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard on floor spacing, screening angles and tempo. A team source said VanVleet may travel with Houston for next week’s road games in Toronto and Boston.
Nuggets
Aaron Gordon posted a career-best 50 points, knocking down 10 three-pointers, yet Denver fell 137-131 in overtime to Golden State on Thursday night. “They asked if I wanted the game ball. No, I don’t want the game ball,” Gordon said afterward. Head coach David Adelman praised the forward’s efficient shot selection but noted the club must tweak its approach to stay competitive deep into the season.
Bucks
Milwaukee guard Kevin Porter Jr. will miss at least two games after spraining his left ankle during the Bucks’ season-opening win over Washington. Porter scored 10 points in nine minutes before exiting and will be re-evaluated early next week. With Porter sidelined, Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony are expected to pick up additional minutes, beginning Friday in Toronto.
Source: Hoops Wire
