Even in a tough 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Houston Rockets saw something worth celebrating: Alperen Sengun made franchise history with a triple-double performance that showcased just how far his game has come - and where it might be headed.
In 42 minutes of action, Sengun poured in 33 points on 14-of-27 shooting, while adding 10 rebounds and 10 assists. It was his first triple-double of the season, but if you’ve been watching closely, you know it’s been coming. He’s averaging a career-best 7.1 assists per game, and this wasn’t the first time he flirted with the milestone - it’s just the first time everything clicked.
Climbing the Franchise Ladder
This latest triple-double wasn’t just a personal milestone - it was a historic one. It marked the ninth of Sengun’s young career, pushing him past Russell Westbrook on the Rockets’ all-time list and into sole possession of third place. That’s rare air for a player still early in his NBA journey.
Of course, the top of that list belongs to James Harden, whose 46 triple-doubles remain the gold standard in Houston. But Sengun now has Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon in his sights. Olajuwon tallied 14 triple-doubles during his legendary run with the Rockets, and with Sengun needing just six more to pass him, that’s not out of reach - especially considering his all-around production this season.
A New Kind of Big Man
Sengun’s game continues to evolve, and Monday night was a perfect example of how he’s blending old-school post skills with modern playmaking. He’s not just scoring and rebounding - he’s orchestrating. His vision and feel for the game are turning him into one of the most versatile big men in the league, and he’s doing it all at just 21 years old.
That versatility is also putting him in the record books in other ways. With Monday’s performance, Sengun became the youngest center in NBA history to record multiple 30-point, 10-rebound games in a single season. The first came back on November 16 in an overtime win against the Orlando Magic, when he dropped 30 and grabbed 12 boards.
The Future is Bright in Houston
And Sengun’s not the only one making noise. Teammate Amen Thompson is quietly climbing the franchise’s triple-double leaderboard as well.
He’s already tied for seventh all-time in Houston history with four triple-doubles - and he’s played less than half as many games as Sengun. If both continue on this trajectory, it’s not outlandish to think they could finish the season side-by-side in the Rockets’ top three.
Houston may not have walked away with the win on Monday night, but what they did walk away with was a glimpse at the kind of dynamic, all-around talent that could define the franchise’s next era. Sengun is already making history - and he’s just getting started.