As the Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns, 114-92, the team's ability to rally and take on a new offensive attack in the absence of their superstar, Kevin Durant, was highly impressive.
Yet, the Suns' defense was still able to slow down Alperen Sengun, and, while the team's ability to still score at a high clip around him was encouraging, the Rockets are still learning that Sengun alone cannot necessarily carry this team to victory.
Last season, the Rockets came up short precisely because opposing defenses were able to swarm Sengun, stagnating the team's offense as a result.