Rockets center Alperen Sengun is looking to build on a strong performance when Houston hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday for their third meeting of the season.
Sengun had a rough start to the 2024-25 season, shooting only 37 percent from the field over his first five games while averaging 15.2 points. He scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting in a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, but he played just 21 minutes after the Rockets fell behind early and then fought their way back.
Sengun carried his strong play into Monday, helping Houston win 109-97 against the New York Knicks. He had an excellent game, scoring 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.
Before the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka stressed to Sengun the importance of running the offense through the post, where Sengun had a clear advantage against the Knicks’ big men, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jericho Sims.
“Alpi’s going to bounce back eventually,” Udoka said. “We had a good talk (earlier Monday) about ways he can impact the game and ways I can help him, as well as him helping himself out there.
I thought he had a phenomenal game (against the Knicks) and stuffed the stat sheet across the board and took on the challenge on both ends.”
How Houston identifies its primary offensive threat each night could be key to their season. Sengun and guard Jalen Green, both in their fourth seasons, are the top candidates to share the offensive load.
In the closing moments of the game against the Knicks, both played important roles in keeping the lead after New York cut a 15-point deficit down to one.
“We were just trusting each other,” said Green, who had eight points and three assists in the fourth quarter. “Getting the space right and just attacking what we had. … Everyone did a good job.”
The Spurs come into the game after a tough 113-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, where they blew an early 26-point lead. San Antonio gave up a 40-14 advantage going into the second quarter, but their strong start showed their potential on defense.
“Our defense has been really good when we’ve been connected and communicate and execute the game plan,” said interim Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who is filling in for Gregg Popovich while Popovich is ill.
“Obviously, we have a very unique player in Victor (Wembanyama) defensively that allows us to be unique in some of our schemes and approach. When we’re all on the same page we can be pretty good on that end.”
Wembanyama, the Spurs’ star rookie, had nine blocks, along with 24 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. However, he struggled with his shooting, going under 50 percent for the fifth consecutive game.
His shooting struggles have led to questions about whether the Spurs are using Wembanyama in ways that make the most of his extraordinary offensive skills.
“I think for Victor, he has so much skill,” Johnson said. “Putting it all together is difficult at times for a young player of his caliber, even. It’s difficult for every young player. So I think he’s done a great job… I’m sure he’ll be better with more seasoning and experience.”
The Spurs and Rockets split a set of back-to-back games in San Antonio at the end of October.
