By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Denver Nuggets defeated Houston Rocket last night 129-113, and Alperen Sengun had a chance to see his idol work.
The Turkish player had another good game with 18 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes, but the reining MVP led his team to a comfortable victory with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in just four minutes more spent on the court.
They both similarly play the game, and it’s no secret that Sengun is looking up to the Serbian big man.
“It makes me happy when they compare me to him because he is my idol“, the young Turkish player said before the game.
Even his teammates gave him an interesting nickname.
“That’s Baby Joker out there. I have a year under my belt with Alperen. I have a good feeling about when he is going to pass or shoot. But don’t read his eyes — wait on him. He’s going to make the right read“, Kevin Porter Jr. said.
Jokic also commented on the comparison and the fact that Sengun shapes his game based on him.
“I’m not sure if it’s a good thing”, said Jokic and added: “I think he’s very talented. It might sound weird, but I think they should play through him more. Because sometimes they seem too stagnant as a team. Especially when they focus on shooting a lot of threes“.
The two-time MVP continued to praise the young Turkish center.
“The man is talented. He can pass the ball, post up, has the touch, and is a good finisher around the rim. You can see different moves when he is playing“, Jokic stated.