Tag: Nikola Jokić

Sam Cassell: Nikola Jokic ‘wouldn’t stand a chance’ versus Hakeem Olajuwon

“I believe Hakeem [Olajuwon] would have an answer for whatever [Nikola] Jokić tried defensively,” Sam Cassell says of his former championship teammate.

After winning a pair of championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995, NBA veteran Sam Cassell is understandably biased in favor of his legendary teammate at center, Hakeem Olajuwon.

While Denver’s Nikola Jokic is currently the gold standard among NBA big men, having won three of the past four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, Cassell doesn’t view the Nuggets star as in the same caliber as his two-time champion and Hall of Fame teammate.

Speaking to Draymond Green — a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year with the Golden State Warriors — on Green’s podcast, Cassell said of the comparison (as transcribed by EuroHoops.net):

Hakeem is a beast in every sense on the floor. He’s in the Top 10 in every NBA category — steals, rebounds, points. I think Jokić would score more points, but Hakeem would win because he would constantly pressure him. Jokić wouldn’t be able to do damage in the post; it simply wouldn’t happen.

On the other end of the floor, Jokić wouldn’t stand a chance. Joel Embiid gives him problems, and he wouldn’t have any hope against Hakeem. I believe Hakeem would have an answer for whatever Jokić tried defensively.

Now an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, it’s worth noting that Cassell previously spent three seasons (2020-23) as an assistant in Philadelphia. There appears to be a rivalry between Embiid and Jokić, and that experience working closely with Embiid and the 76ers might have further tilted Cassell in an anti-Jokić direction.

Cassell’s complete podcast comments can be viewed below.

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‘He’s damn good’: Alperen Sengun draws national praise from ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser

“He’s damn good,” ESPN’s Michael Wilbon says of Alperen Sengun. “He might be the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He could be on the same trajectory as [Jokic].”

After dominating prized rookie Victor Wembanyama in a head-to-head matchup this week, third-year Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is drawing more national attention.

That included a mention on ESPN’s storied “Pardon the Interruption” show, which aired Wednesday prior to Houston’s nationally televised game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Though the Rockets lost that game, Sengun had another extremely strong night with a triple-double (23 points, 19 rebounds, and 14 assists).

One of PTI’s hosts, Tony Kornheiser, asked whether Sengun should be considered in the same class as top Western Conference big-man prospects like Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wilbon responded:

Yes. He’s the same age, although it’s his third year in the league.

He’s damn good. He might be the Most Improved Player of the league. He’s worth watching. In a few years, he could be on the same trajectory as Joker (Nikola Jokic, two-time NBA MVP with the Denver Nuggets). He’s really, really good.

The complete segment can be viewed below. In his opening comments, Kornheiser correctly points out Sengun outscored Wembanyama by a staggering 30-0 margin in the second half.

Just 21 years old, Sengun is averaging career-highs in points (21.3 per game), rebounds (9.4), assists (5.0) and steals (1.2) this season.

The Turkish center has led Houston in scoring and rebounding while increasingly becoming the focal point of Ime Udoka’s offense.

Among frontcourt players in the West Sengun finished No. 5 in fan voting for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. With ample support from Turkish fans, that total led Wembanyama and Holmgren.

As a team, the Rockets are an improved 27-35 in the 2023-24 season, which is already well ahead of their records (20-62 and 22-60) in each of Sengun’s first two years with the franchise.

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Takeaways: Rockets clinch season series versus Denver as Jalen Green ices first road win

Jalen Green scored an efficient 25 points and iced the game late as Houston secured its first road win and the season series over the defending NBA champs.

In their fourth and final game versus Denver in the 2023-24 campaign, the upstart Rockets secured the regular-season series in Friday’s 114-106 win (box score) over the Nuggets (14-9). Besides taking their third game in under a month from the defending NBA champions, Houston (10-9) also secured its first road victory.

Talented third-year center Alperen Sengun had 17 points (50.0% FG), 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Rockets, and his defense helped limit perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic to 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting just 9-of-26 from the field (34.6%). Many of those statistics came in the fourth quarter, notably after Houston had already built a 25-point buffer.

Jalen Green led Houston with an efficient 25 points, shooting 8-of-17 overall (47.1%) and 8-of-10 on free throws (80.0%). That line included 10 third-quarter points as the Rockets built up their lead and several late free throws to put the game away. Backcourt mate Fred VanVleet added a game-high 26 points, making 4-of-10 from 3-point range (40.0%) and 9-of-12 on free throws (75.0%).

Veteran wing Dillon Brooks finished with 16 points while shooting 6-of-12 overall (50.0%) and 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40.0%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game in Denver, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is Monday’s home game versus San Antonio (3-18), with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.

Takeaways: Jalen Green enjoys road breakout as Nuggets handle short-handed Rockets

Jalen Green was very efficient with 26 points and 9 assists on hot shooting, but the defending NBA champs had too much for the weary and short-handed Rockets.

The NBA is barely over a month into its 2023-24 regular season, yet due to a scheduling quirk, the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets have already met three times (with a fourth looming next week).

This time, on night two of a road back-to-back, it’s the Rockets who were more short-handed. Starting point guard Fred VanVleet (left thumb sprain) and reserve forward Jae’Sean Tate (left knee soreness) each missed their first game of the season with nagging injuries.

On the other side, Jamal Murray returned from a lengthy hamstring injury, which forced him to miss the earlier Denver-Houston games. Between that and a 30-point outburst by Michael Porter Jr., who made 7-of-12 from 3-point range (58.3%), it was enough for the Nuggets (13-6) to secure a 134-124 win (box score).

Perennial All-Star center and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic was dominant, as usual, with 32 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds, shooting 12-of-19 from the field (63.2%) on Wednesday night.

Yet, the Rockets (8-8) did have clear positives, starting with Jalen Green. The third-year shooting guard, who has largely struggled on the road this season, finished with 26 points and 9 assists while shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from the field (66.7%), 5-of-8 on 3-pointers (62.5%), and 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%). Alperen Sengun added 22 points and 7 rebounds on 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Wednesday’s game in Denver, along with reaction by media members and fans. The Los Angeles Lakers (10-8) are next up on Houston’s schedule, with Saturday’s road tipoff set for 9:30 p.m. Central.

Reaction: Rockets blast Nuggets as Jalen Green fuels eighth straight home win

After beating Denver, the #Rockets have won eight straight home games and are one victory from winning their in-season tournament group. Jalen Green led the way.

HOUSTON — The Rockets (8-6) have won eight consecutive home games — two in impressive fashion over the defending NBA champions — after Friday’s 105-86 win (box score) over the Nuggets (10-6). Denver also lost at Toyota Center on Nov. 12.

Beyond the 2023-24 regular-season standings, Friday’s matchup counts toward the NBA’s 2023-24 in-season tournament, as well. The Nuggets (2-2) and Rockets (2-1) are both competing in Western Conference Group B, and Houston will have an opportunity to win the group outright and advance to the eight-team quarterfinal stage if they can secure a victory at Dallas (1-2) on Tuesday night.

Perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic had with 38 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists, but Houston’s defense collectively limited Denver to just 34% shooting and 23.3% on 3-pointers.

Jalen Green led a balanced effort for the Rockets with 25 points and 3 steals, shooting 10-of-18 from the field (55.6%) and 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%). Other standout players included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 21 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals; 8-of-19 shooting (42.1%), 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 17 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 15 rebounds; 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews following Friday’s impressive game versus the Nuggets, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is Tuesday’s road contest at Dallas (10-5), with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Central.

Nikola Jokic appreciates Houston running more offense through Alperen Sengun

Nikola Jokic on the Rockets and Alperen Sengun: “I think it is a good thing that they are playing a little bit more through him.”

Legendary big man Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and an NBA champion with the 2022-23 Denver Nuggets, has long made it clear he believes the Houston Rockets should run more offense through Alperen Sengun. The European centers have often shared an affinity for each other, and the respect clearly goes both ways.

On Sunday, the Rockets gained the best of Jokic and the Nuggets, with Sengun going for 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks on 9-of-18 shooting (50%). Jokic had better numbers: 36 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists, but the 21-year-old Turkey native held his own and won the game while dueling an all-time great.

In postgame comments, Jokic made it clear he was happy for the Rockets and Sengun, who is having more offense run through him this season under the guidance of new head coach Ime Udoka.

Jokic said, via Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets:

I think it is a good thing that they are playing a little bit more through him. I think that is going to benefit the whole organization. He is a guy who is not selfish. He wants to play for the team and he wants to pass. The whole team is going to move when the ball is in his hands. He played really good today.

Sengun and the Rockets (6-3), who have won six straight games, hope to keep their momentum rolling when they resume regular-season play on Friday in Los Angeles. Tipoff is 9:30 p.m. Central.

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Rockets react to sixth straight win as Jeff Green stuns Denver late

Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, and Jeff Green all had big nights as Houston rallied past defending NBA champion Denver to secure its sixth straight win.

In the conclusion of the seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, the Rockets took perhaps their biggest step yet in Sunday’s 107-104 victory (box score) over the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. It’s the sixth straight win for Houston (6-3) and only the second loss of the 2023-24 regular season for Denver (8-2).

Nikola Jokic, a multi-time MVP, led the visitors with 36 points, 21 rebounds and 11 assists. But after taking a seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter, Denver was outscored by Houston in each remaining quarter. Veteran forward Jeff Green scored 13 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter to help put the game away.

“It gives us another feather in our cap,” head coach Ime Udoka said in his postgame press conference. “It gives us experience with late-game execution and getting the shots we want and defending. I’m happy with how we finished. They did hit some tough shots, but that’s expected from a championship-caliber team.”

Standout players for the Rockets included:

  • Fred VanVleet: 26 points, 4 assists in 41 minutes; 9-of-21 shooting (42.9%), 3-of-9 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists in 35 minutes; 9-of-18 shooting (50.0%), 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%)
  • Jeff Green: 15 points, 4 rebounds in 26 minutes; 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews from Sunday night, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston, as a brief road trip begins, is Friday’s late game in Los Angeles against the Clippers. Tipoff is at 9:30 p.m. Central.

Podcast: Key takeaways as Rockets, Rafael Stone answer media questions

Rafael Stone wants the #Rockets to watch and learn from the 2023 playoffs, and today’s @TheLagerLine explores the key themes — starting with organizational culture and alignment.

Monday’s episode of “The Lager Line,” sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, explores the key takeaways from recent interviews involving general manager Rafael Stone, head coach Ime Udoka and other members of the Houston Rockets.

Hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves explain why Stone’s remarks on Udoka’s role in personnel decisions should be taken as a promising sign, along with the importance of Houston’s draft and free agency decisions being made independently of one another. The show also offers insight on Udoka’s rumored hires for assistant coaches.

Finally, the episode dives into the NBA Finals between Denver and Miami and themes potentially relevant to the Rockets. Topics there include the role of Erik Spoelstra’s Heat culture and whether the evolution of superstar big man Nikola Jokic with the Nuggets can provide a template for Alperen Sengun and the Rockets to follow.

Monday’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to in its entirety below. Each episode is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Rockets center Alperen Sengun nominated for NBA’s Assist of the Year

#Rockets center Alperen Sengun has drawn comparisons to Denver’s Nikola Jokic for his playmaking, and now both are nominated for the NBA’s fan-voted Assist of the Year.

Second-year Houston Rockets prospect Alperen Sengun has drawn comparisons to two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic for his rare playmaking skills as a center, so perhaps it’s fitting that both Sengun and his idol from Denver are finalists for an assists award.

Sengun, Jokic, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball are finalists for the Assist of the Year in the 2023 NBA Fan Favorites competition.

Sengun, who averaged 3.9 assists in 28.9 minutes per game this season, is nominated for his no-look, behind-the-head dime to a cutting KJ Martin on March 31. Martin completed the dunk, making for a memorable highlight, and the Rockets went on to win the game.

That kicked off a strong season-ending stretch by the Rockets (22-60), who won four of their last five games, starting with that win over the Pistons. It wasn’t enough to save the job of head coach Stephen Silas, but at least it allowed him to leave on a relative high note.

As for Sengun, fans can vote on the Assist of the Year through Wednesday night, May 3, at nba.com/fanfavorites. The winner will be subsequently announced on Friday, May 5.

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Paul George shows love to Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, compares playmaking to Magic Johnson

In a new podcast, Clippers star Paul George says young #Rockets center Alperen Sengun shows playmaking flashes that remind him of several NBA legends, including Magic Johnson.

With averages of 14.8 points (55.3% FG, 33.3% on 3-pointers), 9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, young Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun took a leap forward in his second NBA season.

Even stars like Nikola Jokic, the back-to-back league MVP, went out of his way during the 2022-23 year to urge Houston to run more offense through its creative 20-year-old big man out of Turkey.

Now, add eight-time All-Star Paul George — currently of the Los Angeles Clippers — to a growing list of NBA royalty to show respect to Sengun. On a new episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” George had this to say about Sengun (hat tip Rexwell Villas, Clutch Points):

He’s been doing it all season long and he’s been getting some recognition, but I think more so now. … He’s showing his true personality. His true self is starting to shine through. He’s a big dog. Beast.

He’s got shades of Marc Gasol and Pau Gasol. He’s got shades of Jokic, and the great bigs that can pass, shoot and playmake. I love his game, he can do it all. He’s a super, super high IQ player.

The greatest part of his game is his playmaking. I’ve seen some flashiness where he’s on some Magic (Johnson) type sh*t. He can hoop.

In four games versus the Clippers this season, Sengun averaged 17.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 30.5 minutes. He shot 56.8%. It certainly seems to have to have caught George’s attention.

The complete podcast can be viewed below, with the Sengun discussion starting at approximately the 53 minute mark.

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