Alperen Sengun’s Historic Triple-Double Falls Short in Overtime Battle Against Nuggets
The Houston Rockets faced off against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, returning to the court after a brief hiatus. Their last outing resulted in a narrow victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the team’s first win by fewer than four points this season. With revenge on their minds, the Rockets aimed to overcome the Nuggets, who had previously edged them out 112-109 in the NBA Cup on November 21.
First Quarter Struggles Resurface
In their last matchup, the Rockets stumbled out of the gate, managing only 12 points in the first quarter and trailing by as many as 13. One of the main culprits for that performance was Alperen Sengun, who found himself outclassed by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, scoring just 14 points to Jokic’s impressive 34. This was a stark contrast to their previous encounter during the EuroBasket tournament, where Sengun had shone brightly. In that matchup, he led Türkiye to victory over Serbia, posting a game-high 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, outplaying his idol.
Sengun’s Aggressive Start
Determined to make an impact this time, Sengun came out firing. He quickly found his rhythm, scoring ten points in the first quarter and helping the Rockets establish an early nine-point advantage. However, as the game progressed, the Nuggets’ bench began to outshine Houston’s reserves. When Jokic re-entered the game in the second quarter, he quickly shrugged off his slow start, propelling Denver to a 58-51 lead at halftime.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The second half unfolded as a thrilling contest, with both teams exchanging blows. The Rockets made crucial plays to stay within striking distance. With the game hanging in the balance, Sengun showcased his skills once again, driving hard to the basket and converting a tough finish to give Houston a late 117-116 lead. However, a contentious foul call on Amen Thompson against Tim Hardaway Jr. allowed the Nuggets to tie the game with a free throw.
Overtime Heartbreak
Overtime loomed as Sengun and the Rockets fought valiantly to keep pace with the Nuggets. With time winding down and the score tight, Sengun had a chance to tie the game with a last-second shot. Unfortunately, his desperate heave clanged off the rim, sealing a heartbreaking 128-125 defeat for Houston. The loss dropped the Rockets to 16-7 on the season as they prepared for their upcoming clash with the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.
Historic Achievement Amidst Defeat
Despite the loss, Sengun’s performance was historic. He became the first center to record a triple-double in a game alongside Jokic, an achievement that underscores his potential as a rising star in the league. This performance solidifies Sengun’s place among NBA elite, further fueling the anticipation for his upcoming All-Star appearance. His ability to compete at such a high level against the best players in the league bodes well for the future of the Rockets.
