Although Alperen Sengun’s playoff experience is limited, his first postseason left a lasting impression.
The Houston Rockets finished second in the Western Conference last season before falling to the Golden State Warriors in the first round series of seven games.
Alperen Sengun recently reflected that difficult matchup and explained why the Warriors presented the most challenging opponent possible for Houston.
The Turkish Centre believes the Warriors are the team the Rockets don’t want to face the most.
This is not only because of Stephen Curry and the company experience, but because he believes that Senggun received a positive favourite throughout the series while Houston faces more stringent enforcement.
“The Warriors were probably one of the teams that gave us the most trouble and we drew them,” Senggun said. “They’re a very experienced team and they fouled a lot. In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were crying every series about not being called fouls.”
“As for us, we are not allowed to complain. It’s internal. Imedoka doesn’t allow it. He loses his heart when we complain.”
Sengun struggled a bit during that series, shooting only 45% compared to a regular season percentage of 49.6%.
The main challenge came from protecting Draymond Green, but Sendun insisted that the matchups would not threaten him.
Young Center showed confidence by dunking on the green during the series.
“I’ve never scared anything like this in my life. If anything, it makes me mad,” explained Sengun.
Sengun may face the Warriors again in the playoffs next season. However, the dynamics could change dramatically with Kevin Durant along with him in Houston.
Durant offers another elite scorer who has been closely aware of the Golden State system since his previous tenure with the franchise.