Rockets’ hopes run through Sengun, Durant: “He needs to shoot more”
Kevin Durant has no doubts: Alperen Şengün is becoming a complete, all-around force – and the perfect glue for the Houston Rockets
With a strong start, the Houston Rockets comfortably took care of a high-level matchup against the New York Knicks, confirming just how difficult it is for opponents to win at the Toyota Center – statistically one of the five toughest arenas in the league. With seven games left, the race for the fourth seed – and home-court advantage in at least the first round – is set to be intense.
For Kevin Durant, it was business as usual: 27 points, 2 blocks, and 56% shooting from the field. But what stood out most were his postgame words about Alperen Sengun.
In recent games, the Turkish big man has shown he can blend dominant scoring performances with nights like this one, where he takes fewer shots and instead elevates his teammates with elite playmaking. His 10 assists – and the many easy looks created for others – speak for themselves.
Durant highlighted the value of this dual-threat ability:
His impact is huge. Some nights he can be the first or second option, but there are also plenty of games where Reed steps up and becomes the primary option. Having offensive variety is always a good thing
Kevin Durant
His development has reached a level where he shouldn’t put limits on himself – especially when he feels in control of the game.
Looking ahead, how opposing teams defend him in the Playoffs – assuming Houston avoids the Play-In trap – will be a defining factor in the Rockets’ trajectory.
His aggressiveness changes games, and his versatility reshapes our offense when needed. I’d definitely like him to shoot more
Kevin Durant
In last year’s NBA Playoffs, the space given to the former Besiktas product didn’t hurt Golden State, largely because of his reluctance from beyond the arc – just seven three-point attempts in the entire series.
It’s likely that teams will test him the same way again – as Houston seems to have no intention to increase the rhythms. And if Sengun can punish set defenses with greater confidence and efficiency from deep, he could completely disrupt opposing game plans.