By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a tough Game 1 loss at crypto.com Arena, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun maintained a poised and accountable demeanor despite the defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Addressing the media after the game, the Turkish starting center immediately dismissed the idea that the absence of teammate Kevin Durant altered his preparation. “Nothing changed. I was just focused on the game,” he noted. While acknowledging the impact of the roster shift, he added, “We missed him for sure tonight, and hopefully we see him soon.”
Sengun finished the night with 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, but struggled with his efficiency, shooting just 6-of-19 from the field. Reflecting on his performance, the 23-year-old superstar was candid about his uncharacteristic struggles near the rim. “Just me missing the shots, shots I was making. It happens. It was the first away game. It’s going to come back,” he explained.
Despite the frustration of Saturday’s loss, he remained confident in his ability to adjust for the remainder of the best-of-seven series. “I’m not upset about it. Of course, I am upset about the loss, but I am going to bounce back in the next game, come stronger in mentality, and be better,” he said.
The young big also admitted to some early-game jitters that led to unforced errors in his shot selection. When asked if he felt he had rushed his attempts during the opening quarters, Sengun agreed with the assessment. “I definitely thought about that after the game. I shouldn’t have shot so fast, but I did. It happens,” he stressed.
As the series heads toward Game 2 on Tuesday, the Giresun native’s ability to slow down and find his rhythm will be vital for the Rockets as they look to even the score in Los Angeles.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 1-0 (126-113)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-0 (113-102)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0 (126-115)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions