By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and falling to a 3-0 deficit in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, Alperen Sengun talked about his dominant individual performance while remaining self-critical and focused on the team’s resilience.
Reflecting on his significantly more aggressive play during his postgame press conference, the 23-year-old Turkish starting center of the Houston Rockets dismissed the personal stats. “It wasn’t enough,” he said, referring to his improved showing. “I guess I could have done more in some defensive possessions, some missed shots still, and on some helps.”
After quieter outings in Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven series, Sengun recorded a 33-point, 16-rebound double-double in Toyota Center.
Game 3 turned on a series of late-game miscues, including a critical turnover by Reed Sheppard. The Giresun native, who was seen waving his arms for the ball during the play, was quick to defend his teammate. “It happens. I guess he couldn’t see me. He was trying to beat a double-team,” he explained.
With the Rockets squandering a six-point lead in the final seconds of regulation, eventually leading to a LeBron James game-tying three-pointer and an overtime defeat, Sengun noted that the team didn’t wait to begin their post-mortem.
“We watched the last possessions. The two turnovers, the two threes, and the lost ball I was going for. We are going to watch it, and we are going to learn and grow together,” he said, echoing the locker room’s commitment to immediate film study.
The Rockets faced the Lakers without superstar Kevin Durant, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, after missing Game 1 with a knee injury. Sengun emphasized that while his absence is felt, the team cannot use it as an excuse.
“We’ve been fighting with injuries all season. Whoever is on the court, we have a lot of talent, and somebody has to step up, and that’s what we did today,” he reacted. “Jabari was making shots, Amen played amazingly, and Reed made good shots. So, it happens. We are going to play with whoever we have on the court, but, of course, missing our big scorer is hard. But as I said, we can’t be thinking about that. Hopefully, we have him back Sunday.”
Facing a hole no NBA team has ever successfully climbed out of, Sengun remained defiant. “We believe in it. We are warriors. We have a lot of players who believe in each other and a lot of talent. Everybody has seen it over the last two seasons. We never give up,” he stressed.
The Rockets will look to extend their season and avoid a sweep when they host Game 4 this Sunday.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-1 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 2-1 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100)
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 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-0 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-2 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
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
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