Alperen Şengün produced a dominant display with 39 points and 16 rebounds as the Houston Rockets claimed their third straight win, edging past the Indiana Pacers 118-114 on Monday.

The Turkish international, who was notably left out of this month’s NBA All-Star Game, controlled the contest at both ends of the floor to lead Houston to victory. Jabari Smith Jr. provided strong support with 19 points, while Amen Thompson added 16 as the Rockets improved to 31-17 and remained fourth in the Western Conference standings.

Elsewhere, the Minnesota Timberwolves saw their four-game winning streak snapped in a 137-128 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite missing injured star Ja Morant, Memphis improved to 19-29 behind a 30-point performance from Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies displayed impressive balance, with seven players scoring in double figures. Ty Jerome contributed 19 points, Jaylen Wells added 18, while Cam Spencer and Vince Williams chipped in 16 apiece.

In Charlotte, the Hornets continued their surge toward the playoff places with a 102-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, extending their winning run to seven games.

LaMelo Ball starred for the Hornets, overcoming an early collision with head coach Charles Lee to finish with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Ball required treatment for a cut near his eye after the first-quarter clash but returned shortly afterward to inspire a remarkable comeback from a 22-point deficit.

Charlotte’s resurgence lifted them to 23-28, just one spot behind 10th-placed Atlanta in the Eastern Conference. Kon Knueppel impressed with 17 points, including four three-pointers, while Brandon Miller and Grant Williams each added 16.