Rockets Outlast Magic in Overtime Behind Durant’s 35 and Şengün’s Late-Game Heroics

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets overcame a challenge late to defeat the Orlando Magic 117-113 in overtime on Sunday night at the Toyota Center, improving to 9-3 on the season.

Leading the way was Kevin Durant, who poured in 35 points while shooting 13-of-24 from the field. He also chipped in 6 assists as Houston rallied from being down by as many as 11 in the fourth quarter.

Center Alperen Şengün added a dominant all-around performance with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists, anchoring the Rockets’ late push.

Orlando, missing starters Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs due to groin injuries, was led by Franz Wagner with 29 points and Desmond Bane with 26.

The game-saving sequence unfolded late in regulation. With the Rockets trailing, Durant buried a go-ahead 3-pointer with 21.4 seconds left to tie the game. Then in the final seconds Šengün blocked a layup attempt by Bane and, after a turnover by Houston, answered with a hook shot at the buzzer to force overtime.

In the extra period, Houston carried the momentum, and key free-throw conversions sealed it: Reed Sheppard hit two with 4.1 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 115-112, then Amen Thompson made two more to close it out.

Houston also dominated the boards, controlling rebounding 60-38, which helped facilitate second-chance points and limit Orlando’s momentum.

With the win, the Rockets continue their strong start and showcase that their core of Durant and Šengün remains highly effective under pressure. Orlando, meanwhile, drops to 7-7 and must regroup without Banchero and Suggs if they hope to maintain playoff contention.