Sengun answers critics on the court, Durant: “Incredible game”
After a difficult stretch, Sengun responds where it matters most: 33 points on 15-of-17 shooting as the Rockets beat Memphis
The Houston Rockets defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-99 at the Toyota Center, securing a crucial win built largely on the performances of Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant. Both finished with 33 points, leading Houston through a comeback after trailing by as many as 10.
Durant provided the offensive bursts at key moments, while Şengün delivered steadiness when the game got tough. The Turkish big man put together an extremely solid performance: 33 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal, with eye-popping efficiency – 15-of-17 from the field (88.2%), with one of the two misses coming on a forced shot at the end of the shot clock.
After the game, Sengun was candid about his recent form:
I haven’t been playing at my best lately, but everyone goes through phases where production drops. We’re at home, and I feel the confidence to play well every night.
Alperen Sengun
His comments also reflect his recent performances since returning from a right ankle injury, which sidelined him before his comeback nine games ago.
On the season, Sengun is averaging 21.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. The Rockets have lost three of the four games in which he failed to reach his usual production – clear evidence of how central he is to Houston’s system.
Durant added 33 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, shooting 11-of-24 from the field and 4-of-9 from three, and praised his teammate after the game:
He’s incredible. Fifteen for seventeen is insane, especially with that volume.
Kevin Durant
The two-man game between Sengun and Durant remains the primary reference point of Houston’s offense, especially given the inconsistency of Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard.