After years of rebuilding and patience, the Houston Rockets finally have something to celebrate. Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green — two of the franchise’s brightest young stars — secured their first playoff win together tonight in front of a raucous Toyota Center crowd, taking down a battle-tested opponent with a 112-104 victory.
This win wasn’t just a box score footnote — it was a statement. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Houston basketball, one fueled by youth, chemistry, and a sense of belief that’s been brewing for seasons.
Şengün, the crafty Turkish big man, put on a masterclass in the paint. He finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing the versatility and high IQ that’s drawn comparisons to players like Nikola Jokić. Time and time again, he read the defense perfectly, either dropping in soft hooks or finding cutters with pinpoint passes.
On the perimeter, Jalen Green looked every bit the star Houston has been waiting for. With 28 points on efficient shooting, including 4 threes and a few highlight-reel drives, Green gave the Rockets the spark they needed when the game tightened in the second half. But beyond the stats, it was Green’s poise that stood out. In his playoff debut, under the brightest lights, he didn’t flinch.
“It means everything,” Green said postgame. “Me and Alpi came in together, we’ve been through the ups and downs, and now we’re here. This is what we’ve been working for.”
The two young stars, both drafted in 2021, have grown together on and off the court. Their chemistry is evident — Şengün often finds Green on backdoor cuts or handoffs that lead to explosive finishes. And Green, in turn, has developed more patience and awareness, knowing how to play off Şengün’s unique skill set in the high post.
Head coach Ime Udoka praised both players for their growth. “You’re seeing the results of hard work, maturity, and trust,” he said. “Alpi and Jalen have learned how to lead, how to play off each other, and how to win. Tonight was just the beginning.”
It wasn’t just the two of them, either. Houston’s young core stepped up across the board. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in with 16 points and strong defense. Tari Eason brought energy off the bench. And veteran Fred VanVleet — the steady hand brought in last offseason — orchestrated the offense with 10 assists and a calming presence that helped settle the team in crunch time.
But make no mistake: this was their night — Green and Şengün’s. The first playoff win is always special, but doing it together, after three seasons of growing pains, makes it even sweeter. Rockets fans, who stuck with the team through tough times, were on their feet in the final minute, chanting, cheering, and feeling like a real playoff city again.
“It’s just one win,” Şengün said with a smile, “but it feels good. We want more.”
Indeed, the job isn’t done. The Rockets now hold a 1-0 lead in the series, but their young stars know the real test is maintaining focus and consistency. Still, this moment deserves to be celebrated — the first of what Houston hopes will be many playoff victories for the Şengün-Green era.
Tonight wasn’t just about stats or highlights. It was about arrival. The rebuild has officially turned the corner. And the Rockets’ future? It just took a massive step forward.
