Rockets Fall in Overtime Thriller to Bulls

Despite a 25-point second-half explosion by Alperen Şengün, the Houston Rockets sustained an overtime defeat to the Bulls.

The Houston Rockets dropped their second consecutive game Wednesday night in a 124-119 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls inside the United Center. With the loss, the Rockets fell to 0-2 on their current six-game road trip while possessing a 3-12 record away from the Toyota Center. 

The Rockets trailed by 16 points midway through the third quarter. But despite their subpar play, Houston began to find its rhythm in the fourth quarter. The Rockets went on a 27-11 run during the period. And with 23.2 seconds left, Alperen Şengün tied the game at 112 by converting a layup.

Şengün led the team with 25 points on 11 of 19 shooting, nine rebounds and five assists. He had a tremendous second half after entering the halftime break scoreless while shooting 0 of 5 from the field. Houston entered the half trailing 62-54.

The Rockets held a 119-114 lead with 2:50 left in overtime after Şengün scored on a layup attempt. Unfortunately, Houston was unable to sustain its play. The Bulls finished the game on a 10-0 run. 

Fred VanVleet added 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Green added 16 points, eight assists and six rebounds. The Rockets are now 0-3 in overtime games played. 

Coby White led the Bulls with a game-high 30 points and eight assists. Zach Lavine added 25 points in his return from a foot injury.

Rockets guard Jalen Green shoots over Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) during the first quarter at United Center / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

A great night for Jabari Smith Jr.:

Jabari Smith Jr. had one of his best nights of the season. Despite missing the potential game-winning shot, Smith recorded a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds. After scoring a career-high 34 points in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Smith came into Chicago averaging 15.7 points and 8.6 rebounds over the previous 10 games.

Fred VanVleet Believes Physicality is Key to Improving Rockets' Road Struggles

More minutes for Cam Whitmore:

Cam Whitmore had another impressive performance against the Bulls. He came off the bench and added 16 points and four rebounds while playing a career-best 28 minutes.

Whitmore was the first player Udoka called upon off the bench. After benching Jae'Sean Tate in the second half, Whitmore played the majority of his minutes after Jeff Green started in his absence.