Both Derik Queen and Alperen Sengun are getting comparisons to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and on Thursday, the two got to test who’s the better clone when New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Houston Rockets.
The pair did not disappoint as they displayed the skills that got recognized. However, it was the Pelicans who’s going home with a smile on their faces as they were able to upset the Kevin Durant-led Rockets after the overtime.
Pelicans coach James Borrego praised his rookie for his composure and desire to battle the best of the best.
“He stood the test. They were going back and forth at each other and he held his ground,” he said when asked about the Queen-Sengun match up.
“He was able to make up some big plays in paint. I thought he improved as the game went along. DQ likes to do that.
Borrego also emphasized how Queen levels up in each moment that he needs to.
“As the game gets further down the lone, he tends to step up. He likes the big moments… That’s a tough cover…. That was a step forward for the young fella.”
“He stood the test. They were going back and forth at each other and he held his ground… I thought he improved as the game went along… He likes the big moments… That’s a tough cover…. That was a step forward for the young fella”
— James Borrego on Derik Queen vs Sengun pic.twitter.com/BNxKSonSxY
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 19, 2025
Derik Queen vs Alperen Sengun stats
Sengun got the better numbers with 28-11-8. He also had two steals and two blocks.
Queen, who blossomed late this season, was not that bad as he posted 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. He also listed three blocks while also giving +18 in the plus/minus category.
That big moment Borrego mentioned was visible during the night as Queen even had some interesting pep talk with Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
Would love to know what Ime Udoka and Pelicans center Derik Queen were discussing at the end of the Rockets loss in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/lwZ5dBDerq
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) December 19, 2025
His best moment in the game though came when he got isolated with Sengun and got one past him through an in and out dribble that is rare for a big man like him.
Derik Queen hesi dribble into an and-one pic.twitter.com/m2fExjcnfC
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 19, 2025
Queen and Sengun will meet each other three more times this season, starting on January 18. The other two are scheduled on March.
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