Rockets’ Sensation Sengun Shines in Victory over Spurs
Despite a challenging stretch for the team with only three wins in their last ten games, Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ “prodigy,” has been on fire lately. Over the past week, he has averaged an impressive 25.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.7 steals, and 5 blocks per game, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. However, in a recent showdown with the Houston Rockets, led by the versatile Alperen Sengun, the Spurs fell short, ending their winning streak with a 114-101 defeat.
Sengun’s Stellar Performance
In the highly anticipated “Texas Showdown,” the Spurs initially held a six-point lead at halftime. However, Sengun’s dominant performance in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where he scored 18 points single-handedly, propelled the Rockets to a comeback victory. Sengun continued his scoring spree in the fourth quarter, securing the win with a remarkable stat line of 45 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 steals, shooting nearly 60% from the field.
Record-Breaking Performance
Sengun’s 45-point, 5-steal performance marked career highs for the young center and set a new record as the youngest player in NBA history to achieve “40+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ steals.” Additionally, he became the first Rockets center since Yao Ming in 2004 to score over 41 points in a game. His impressive season includes a double-double performance against the Kings on November 7, 2023, where he tied the franchise record for assists by a center with 12.
Contrasting Performances
In contrast to Sengun’s stellar display, Wembanyama struggled to make an impact for the Spurs. Despite recording 7 blocks, he managed only 10 points and 11 rebounds while committing 6 turnovers, including 4 critical ones in the decisive fourth quarter. His inability to contribute offensively during crucial moments hindered the Spurs’ comeback efforts.
Contributions from Supporting Cast
Alongside Sengun’s standout performance, Jalen Green contributed 23 points, while Fred VanVleet posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists for the Rockets. On the Spurs’ side, Devin Vassell led with 22 points and 8 rebounds, supported by Jeremy Sochan’s 15 points and Malaki Branham and Keldon Johnson’s combined 38 points off the bench.
Sengun’s Rising Star
As the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Sengun has quickly established himself as a rising star in his third season with the Rockets. Averaging 20.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, he has surpassed his idol Nikola Jokic in becoming the first third-year player to achieve such impressive stats. Sengun’s exceptional playmaking ability has also earned him the title of the youngest player in Rockets history to record a triple-double, solidifying his status as a promising talent in the league.(BETSO88)