Rockets center Alperen Sengun aims to build on a breakout performance when Houston hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday for their third meeting of the season.
Sengun struggled to find his rhythm over the first five games of the 2024-25 season, shooting just 37 percent from the floor while averaging 15.2 points. He scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting in an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday but played only 21 minutes after the Rockets fell behind early.
However, Sengun carried his promising play into Monday, helping Houston to a 109-97 home win over the New York Knicks. He was outstanding in every aspect against the Knicks, scoring 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting while adding 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.
Before the game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasized to Sengun the importance of running the offense through the post, where Sengun had an advantage against New York’s tandem of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jericho Sims.
Houston’s ability to determine its top offensive threat each night might define their season. Sengun and guard Jalen Green, both in their fourth seasons, are the obvious candidates to share the workload. Down the stretch against the Knicks, both played key roles in helping the Rockets pull away after New York had cut a 15-point deficit down to one.
The Spurs are coming off a 113-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, where they squandered an early 26-point lead. Despite the collapse, the Spurs’ dominant opening quarter highlighted the team’s defensive potential.
Victor Wembanyama had nine blocks in addition to 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot below 50 percent overall for the fifth consecutive game. His shooting struggles might raise concerns about whether the Spurs are positioning Wembanyama to maximize his extraordinary offensive talents.
The Spurs and Rockets split a back-to-back series in San Antonio back in late October.
