HOUSTON — Third-year Rockets center Alperen Sengun continued his strong start to the 2023-24 NBA season in Monday’s 122-97 win (box score) at Toyota Center over the visiting Sacramento Kings.
In 26 minutes, Sengun had 17 points, 8 rebounds and a career-high 12 assists, shooting 7-of-13 from the field (53.8%) and 3-of-4 on free throws (75%). Sengun’s defense also played a key role in holding Kings big man Domantas Sabonis to 8 points and 5 turnovers.
“We are playing like animals right now,” Sengun said postgame, via Adam Spolane. “Everyone is tough and physical. Everyone is helping each other. Nobody’s getting easy points anymore. We’re running back, offensive rebounds. We’re doing everything right, now.”
Here’s a look at many of Sengun’s top moments from Monday’s game, along with postgame reaction by the Turkish big man, head coach Ime Udoka, and media members and fans following the team. Sengun’s 12 assists in a game are tied for the most in franchise history among centers, joining Hall of Fame big man Hakeem Olajuwon.
Sengun and the Rockets (3-3), who have won three straight games, return to action Wednesday night with a home date versus LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Tipoff of that star-studded matchup is at 7 p.m. Central.
Excluding a 1-1 start in October 2021, Houston is at .500 or better for the first time since being 11-11 early in the 2020-21 season.