MILWAUKEE — The Houston Rockets extended their unbeaten streak to five games with a decisive 132-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Fred VanVleet led Houston with 24 points, while Amen Thompson contributed 23 points in the win.
Rockets center Alperen Sengun, who averages 24.5 points per game this season, did not play due to low back soreness. Despite his absence, Houston’s offense thrived, shooting 54.8% from the field and converting 23 of 26 free-throw attempts.
VanVleet, who returned this season after missing all of last year with a torn ACL, was particularly effective. He hit seven of 14 field-goal attempts, including four three-pointers. VanVleet scored 15 consecutive points for the Rockets during a pivotal stretch in the third quarter, increasing their lead to 81-61.
Thompson shot 10 of 16 and received support from Kevin Durant, who added 18 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who scored 16 points in just 15 minutes of play.
The Rockets established control in the second quarter, outscoring the Bucks 34-14 and leading 57-35 at halftime. Houston opened the period with an 8-0 run and continued to build their advantage, highlighted by Clint Capela’s tip-in that made it 49-30.
Milwaukee struggled offensively, particularly from beyond the arc, making only four of 24 three-point attempts in the first half. They managed just one free-throw attempt in that period, while the Rockets were successful on 13 of 15 free throws.
Tyler Herro led the Bucks with 23 points, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 19 during the game. The Bucks now hold a record of 1-4 for the season.
In the injury report, Rockets center Steven Adams was sidelined due to a right calf strain, and guard Marcus Smart missed his third consecutive game with a left forearm strain.
The Rockets are set to continue their journey on Friday as they face the Dallas Mavericks in NBA Cup play. Meanwhile, the Bucks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
