Rockets Dominate Trail Blazers as Sengun Shines Amidst Coaching Controversy
On Friday night, the Houston Rockets put on an impressive display, claiming their first NBA Cup victory of the season with a commanding 140-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Defensively, the Rockets were relentless, capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes by forcing 20 turnovers, a testament to their tenacity on that end of the court.
Sengun’s Stellar Performance
At the heart of the Rockets’ success was standout center Alperen Sengun, who delivered a remarkable all-around performance. He finished the game with 25 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, complemented by 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and three blocks. Sengun’s ability to stretch the floor was evident as he drained four of his six attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing his versatility and growth as a player.
Before the game, Sengun took a moment to reflect on the personal connection he has with Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter, who previously served as an assistant coach on the Rockets’ staff under Ime Udoka. “He taught me a lot,” Sengun shared, expressing his admiration for Splitter. “He’s like a brother. I had a brother-ship with him. I’m excited to play against him. It’s going to be good to see him.”
Growth Through Mentorship
Sengun highlighted the specific skills he developed under Splitter’s guidance, particularly his left-hand proficiency. “I used to not go left that much. But now I can go both hands,” he explained, crediting Splitter for not only enhancing his technical abilities but also for mentally preparing him for challenges against elite big men like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. “I would tell him we’re playing tough bigs tonight so I need to lock in, and he would say they need to lock in to guard you,” Sengun recalled.
Chauncey Billups’ Controversial Exit
The backdrop to this matchup was marked by turmoil within the Trail Blazers organization, stemming from a significant scandal involving former head coach Chauncey Billups. Billups is currently embroiled in legal issues linked to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games, leading to his suspension. He was arrested as part of multiple FBI investigations that have sent shockwaves through the franchise. As a result, Splitter stepped into the role of acting head coach just before the season commenced.
Billups is scheduled to appear in court again on November 24, facing restrictions that limit his travel to just Oregon and Colorado. The allegations suggest that he utilized his celebrity status to influence others to participate in rigged games, casting a long shadow over the team’s season.
Under Splitter’s leadership, the Trail Blazers have managed to maintain a balanced record of 6-6 to start the season, currently positioning them ninth in the Western Conference. As the Rockets celebrated their victory, the unfolding drama surrounding the Blazers added an unexpected twist to the narrative of the night.
