Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun seems to be hitting his stride as he gears up for an in-state rivalry game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. After a shaky start to the season, the big man delivered a dominant performance in Houston’s recent 109-97 victory over the New York Knicks, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Sengun struggled to find his form in the early games of the 2024-25 season, shooting just 37% across his first five outings while averaging 15.2 points. However, he appeared revitalized in Monday’s win, finishing with 25 points on an impressive 11-of-15 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasized the importance of running the offense through Sengun in the post, a strategy that paid off against New York.
“Alpi’s going to bounce back eventually,” Udoka remarked, crediting Sengun’s resilience and commitment. “He stuffed the stat sheet and took on the challenge on both ends of the floor.”
Jalen Green and Sengun Share the Spotlight
While Sengun found his rhythm, guard Jalen Green also played a pivotal role in securing the win over New York. Green scored eight of his points in the fourth quarter, contributing to the Rockets’ successful finish after the Knicks nearly erased a 15-point deficit. Green praised the team’s trust and spacing, a dynamic Udoka hopes will define Houston’s season as they seek consistent offensive threats.
The Rockets will need that synergy as they face a Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama, who has shown flashes of defensive prowess but struggled with shooting consistency. Wembanyama tallied nine blocks, 24 points, and 13 rebounds in San Antonio’s recent loss to the Clippers, but his shooting remains a work in progress.
Wembanyama’s Growing Pains Pose Questions for Spurs
Interim coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged Wembanyama’s challenge in adapting to the NBA’s demands. “Putting it all together is difficult, even for a player of Victor’s caliber,” Johnson said, noting that with experience, Wembanyama will likely improve.
As Sengun and Green look to continue their strong play, the Rockets hope to build momentum against a Spurs squad that remains a work in progress. This matchup could signal whether Houston’s promising talent is ready to compete at a higher level in the Western Conference.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.