HOUSTON — Third-year Rockets center Alperen Sengun continued his strong start to the 2023-24 NBA season in Monday’s 122-97 win (box score) at Toyota Center over the visiting Sacramento Kings.
In 26 minutes, Sengun had 17 points, 8 rebounds, and a career-high 12 assists, shooting 7-of-13 from the field (53.8%) and 3-of-4 on free throws (75.0%). Sengun’s defense also played a key role in holding Kings big man Domantas Sabonis to 8 points and 5 turnovers.
“We are playing like animals right now,” Sengun said postgame, via Adam Spolane. “Everyone is tough and physical. Everyone is helping each other. Nobody’s getting easy points anymore. We’re running back, offensive rebounds. We’re doing everything right, now.”
Here’s a look at many of Sengun’s top moments from Monday’s game, along with postgame reaction by the Turkish big man, head coach Ime Udoka, and media members and fans following the team. Sengun’s 12 assists in a game are tied for the most in franchise history among centers, joining Hall of Fame big man Hakeem Olajuwon.
Sengun and the Rockets (3-3), who have now won three straight games, return to action Wednesday night with a home date versus LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Tipoff of that star-studded matchup is at 7:00 p.m. Central.
Excluding a 1-1 start in October 2021, Houston is now at .500 or better for the first time since being 11-11 early in the 2020-21 season.
Alperen Sengun vs. Kings
#Rockets BEAT the Kings 122-97
Alperen Sengun 🏀17 PTS🏀12 AST🏀8 REB🏀@alperennsengun talked with our @SportsVanessa after the WIN@HoustonRockets on Space City Home Network pic.twitter.com/OKJEC2SZAq
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) November 7, 2023
Alperen Sengun ties Hakeem Olajuwon for the #Rockets single game record for assists by a center with 1⃣2⃣ tonight vs SAC
Rockets WIN 122-97@HoustonRockets on Space City Home Network pic.twitter.com/f4prjbuw75
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) November 7, 2023
Alperen Sengun: “We are playing like animals right now. Everyone is tough and physical. Everyone is helping each other. Nobody’s getting easy points anymore. We’re running back, offensive rebounds. We’re doing everything right, now.”
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 7, 2023
.@danielle_lerner asked Alperen Sengun if he knew he was two rebounds away from a triple-double:
Ime Udoka in the background: "Box out Sabonis!"
"Yea, I just need to box out Sabonis all the time."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) November 7, 2023
Alperen Sengun was asked if he knew he was two rebounds away from a triple-double. He looked over at Ime Udoka who is standing in the hallway and Udoka says, “Box out Sabonis”.
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 7, 2023
Asked Ime Udoka about Alperen Sengun becoming the youngest center in NBA history to get 500 assists:
"He probably would have been at 500 a while ago if he didn't risk every other pass, but he's a natural passer and it's something he does well."
"Do you see any Manu [Ginobili]… pic.twitter.com/p3AMxCnXRp
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) November 6, 2023
Alperen Sengun is a special player. pic.twitter.com/7ntfyWdt0f
— V̷a̷t̷o̷r̷ (@VatorSports) November 7, 2023
Sengun has 12 assists to 1 turnover tonight.
(Future) Stars tell you they’re stars. https://t.co/TPlQebXaHj
— Chucking Darts NBA & Draft Podcast (@ChuckingDarts) November 7, 2023
Domantas Sabonis vs Rockets
Last season: 20.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 10 assists
This season: 9.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) November 7, 2023
That was a very nice dime by Sengun for his seventh assist of the first half. #Rockets #Sarge #RocketsWire
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) November 7, 2023
I wrote prior to the season that the most interesting storyline would be the extent to which Ime Udoka incorporates Alperen Sengun into his offense. Barring something unforeseen, I think that question is probably moot at this point.
The most compelling question to me now is…
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) November 7, 2023
watch @alperennsengun flirt with a triple-double 👇 pic.twitter.com/RVkgiPdY6U
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 7, 2023
Alperen Sengun is such a special offensive talent. I'm in awe.
16th Overall pick
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) November 7, 2023
Alperen Sengun low-key one of the Top 10 international players so far this season… ahead of KAT and Wemby. pic.twitter.com/qQY567IXqN
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) November 6, 2023
