In the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Houston Rockets showed promise when they lasted seven games against the Golden State Warriors. Even with their youthful roster, the club was unable to compete with the more seasoned Warriors squad. Although Golden State played small, which is their usual brand of basketball, the Rockets couldn’t use their size advantage and were eliminated in the first round.
Coming into the series, the team looked like it had the upper hand. They have bigger players in Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams and Jock Landale. The frontcourt duo of Sengun and Adams was a strategy the Warriors struggled to face. However, the Stephen Curry-led team used their advantage in spacing the floor to keep the floor open.
They were able to finish the series and advance to the Western Conference playoffs because of their successful approach.
Months after their postseason elimination, star center Sengun appeared on a Turkish YouTube show, “Socrates.” During his appearance, he mentioned his experience playing against the Warriors in the playoffs. He also took a shot at the West team about how they handled fouls.
“The Warriors were probably the one team that would have gave us the most trouble, and we drew them,” the Houston Rockets star said.
“They’re a very experienced team, and they fouled a lot. In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were the ones crying all series about fouls not being called. When it comes to us, we’re not really allowed to complain. It’s more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn’t allow it. He loses his mind if we complain.”
This offseason, they added All-Star veteran Kevin Durant to the roster, which could mean that they’ll be one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
The Houston Rockets star comments on missing out on being part of the All-NBA teams
The Houston Rockets star reached another level last season. For the first time in his young career, he was named an All-Star. For most NBA stars, being considered an All-Star is a significant highlight in their career.
When asked about his experience being an All-Star, Sengun revealed that he had a great time with the other stars.
“It was great being with the other stars, to get to know them,” the Turkish center commented.
However, he wasn’t considered for any of the All-NBA teams.
“It was upsetting not to be selected for All-NBA. This was one of my goals. But these sort of things motivate me. So this season, my goal will be to be All-NBA and become champion. Even if I don’t become All-NBA, as long as the team is successful [that’s what matters].”
Even though he wasn’t named in any of the All-NBA teams, Sengun showed that he’s on the right track in his career.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
