Alperen Sengun didn’t just show up against the Timberwolves - he took over. In a gritty 110-105 win for the Houston Rockets, the 21-year-old center delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, dropping 25 points, pulling down 14 boards, and adding three assists. But it wasn’t just the stat line that had fans buzzing - it was how he did it.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Rockets clinging to a narrow lead and the game hanging in the balance, Sengun pulled a move that instantly went viral. Isolated at the top of the key with Rudy Gobert - a four-time Defensive Player of the Year - guarding him, Sengun faked a pass so smoothly it sent Gobert spinning.
The Timberwolves big man lost sight of the ball entirely, looking around in confusion as Sengun calmly knocked down the shot and hit him with the “too small” celebration for good measure. The moment was part highlight, part statement - and it lit up social media like a playoff buzzer-beater.
But here’s the thing: this wasn’t some one-off flash of flair. Sengun has been giving Gobert problems all game long.
Whether it was working out of the post, facing up from the elbow, or threading passes through tight windows, Sengun’s feel for the game and ability to manipulate defenders were on full display. And it’s not just Gobert - this is becoming a trend.
With the win, the Rockets improved to 24-15, and Sengun’s stock as one of the most skilled and fearless young bigs in the league continues to rise. He’s not just a promising player anymore - he’s a central figure in what Houston is building.
What makes this even more impressive is that Sengun is doing it while still recovering from a right ankle sprain. After missing four games - three of which the Rockets lost - he returned to the lineup earlier this week and immediately made his presence felt. In a key win over the Chicago Bulls, he posted 23 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, helping Houston snap a three-game skid.
Despite admitting he’s “still not 100 percent,” Sengun made it clear that he’s locked in on one thing: winning. “Still not 100 percent.
But when I’m out there, I don’t feel anything. I just feel the game, and try to win.
Whatever it takes, I’ll go for it,” he said.
That mentality has been contagious. With Ime Udoka still working through some availability questions, the Rockets have leaned heavily on Sengun’s leadership and production - and the results speak for themselves. When he’s on the court, Houston plays with more rhythm, more confidence, and a whole lot more swagger.
The Rockets are finding their identity, and at the heart of it is a 21-year-old center who sees the floor like a point guard, scores like a seasoned vet, and doesn’t shy away from the league’s biggest names. Alperen Sengun isn’t just growing into his role - he’s owning it.