Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Toyota Center on November 20, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (AFP Photo)
By Yusuf Ulucam
Nov 27, 2024 3:13 PM
Turkish national basketball prodigy Alperen Sengun bagged another win with the Houston Rockets against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
The Houston Rockets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-111 during the overtime away game.
The 22-year-old secured 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, going down in history as the Rockets’ 4th most player to complete triple-doubles. This also marks Sengun’s fifth triple-double.
Turkish basketball star Alperen Sengun played a pivotal role in the Rockets’ win, recording 22 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in 42 minutes.
The 22-year-old’s performance marked his third triple-double of the season and the seventh of his NBA career, placing him fourth in Rockets history for career triple-doubles.
The victory ensured the Rockets finished the group stage unbeaten, with a 3-0 record in West Group A.
Fred VanVleet led the team with 27 points, while Dillon Brooks contributed 22 points, and Amen Thompson added 15 off the bench.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 26, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by David Sherman / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during the Emirates NBA Cup at Target Center on November 26, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockets defeated the Timberwolves 117-111 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. David Berding/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by David Berding / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 26, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Jordan Johnson / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 23: Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers blocks a shot by Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on November 23, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Jack Gorman/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Jack Gorman / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Sengun earns high praise
“Alperen Sengun just continues to elevate his game,” said Rocket’s head coach, Ime Udoka.
“His ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes him such a unique talent. He’s a player we can count on in tough moments,” Udoka added.
HOUSTON, TX -NOVEMBER 23: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 23, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Logan Riely / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)HOUSTON, TX -NOVEMBER 23: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets free throw during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 23, 2024 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Logan Riely / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)
Looking ahead
The Rockets advance to the quarterfinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Sengun, who is averaging 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season, continues to solidify his status as one of the NBA’s most promising young talents and a key figure in Houston’s success.
Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Toyota Center on November 20, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (AFP Photo)
