Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, coming off his first All-Star season, reflected on last season’s heated NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors during a recent appearance on the Socrates Dergi podcast.
Reflecting on Golden State’s approach, Sengun pointed to the Warriors’ veteran savvy, but felt they spent much of the series “crying” to referees about fouls.
“They’re a very experienced team,” Sengun said. “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.”
The Warriors were called for 150 fouls in the seven-game series, compared to 124 for the Rockets. Sengun said the contrast between the two teams’ reactions was also tied to head coach Ime Udoka’s leadership.
“When it comes to us, we’re not really allowed to complain,” Sengun said. “It’s more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn’t allow it. He loses his mind if we complain.”
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Golden State closed out the series with a 103-89 win in Game 7, led by Buddy Hield’s 33 points and nine 3-pointers in his best performance as a Warrior. Both teams finished with 14 personal fouls in the game. Houston attempted 21 free throws compared to Golden State’s nine, but the Warriors controlled the pace and never let the Rockets find rhythm.
Sengun felt the first-round matchup with Golden State was one of the most difficult scenarios possible.
“The Warriors were probably the one team that would have gave us the most trouble, and we drew them,” Sengun said.
The Turkish center still posted strong numbers in the matchup, averaging 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the series. His postseason impact came following a standout regular season, during which he averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over 76 games and earned his first All-Star selection.
Former NBA Star Throws Shade at Rockets’ Kevin Durant
The Rockets addressed their early playoff exit by acquiring Kevin Durant, a two-time Finals MVP and one of the most accomplished scorers in NBA history. His addition provides Houston with another elite option alongside Sengun and the team’s elite defense, boosting the team’s ceiling.
Durant’s postseason experience should only help a young team still figuring out how to succeed on the biggest stage. The Rockets finished last season with a record of 50-32 and have added a true go-to option after struggling offensively in the postseason. As a result, they are entering the next season with heightened expectations for a deep postseason run.
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