Alperen Şengün has officially etched his name into the playoff spotlight. In what was arguably the most important game of his young NBA career, the 21-year-old center delivered under pressure, putting up 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists in a Game 7 victory that sent the Houston Rockets to the second round. His Game 7 stat line was not only impressive—it was the culmination of a dominant Round 1 performance that showcased his growth, poise, and rising star status.
Coming into the series, expectations were high for Şengün after a breakout regular season where he averaged career highs across the board. Still, many wondered how he would translate that success to the intense environment of playoff basketball. Şengün answered emphatically, proving that he’s more than just a promising prospect—he’s a franchise cornerstone.
Throughout the series, Şengün consistently outplayed his matchup in the paint, mixing old-school post moves with modern playmaking flair. His footwork, touch, and ability to pass out of double-teams kept the opposing defense off balance every night. Game 7 was no exception. He came out aggressive from the opening tip, asserting himself in the paint and crashing the glass with purpose. His physicality on the boards created second-chance opportunities, while his vision allowed Houston’s perimeter shooters to get clean looks.
Perhaps most impressive was Şengün’s composure. In a win-or-go-home scenario, many young players force the issue or fade under the spotlight. Şengün did neither. He let the game come to him, making smart decisions and executing in the halfcourt. His five assists didn’t just show up on the stat sheet—they were momentum-shifting plays that kept Houston’s offense flowing in tight stretches.
Defensively, Şengün held his own as well. While not known as a dominant shot-blocker, he anchored the Rockets’ interior with positioning, awareness, and effort. In Game 7, his rebounding was especially critical, helping Houston limit second-chance points and control the tempo in the second half.
With the series win, the Rockets not only advanced but also sent a message: the rebuild is over, and the foundation is real. Şengün’s leadership, both vocal and by example, has been central to that shift. Alongside young stars like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., Şengün has given Houston fans a new reason to believe.
Postgame, head coach Ime Udoka praised his big man’s performance: “Alpi was incredible. He’s our anchor in so many ways, and tonight he showed exactly why we trust him in big moments.” Teammates echoed that sentiment, calling Şengün “the heart of this team.”
As the Rockets prepare for a tougher second-round challenge, they’ll need their center to keep up this level of play. But for now, Alperen Şengün deserves his flowers. With a stat line that screams impact and a demeanor that speaks maturity beyond his years, he capped off Round 1 with a statement: he’s not just ready for the playoffs—he’s built for them.
