By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
During the NBA Night, the already-eliminated from playoff contention Houston Rockets managed to win 112-109 on the road against the Charlotte Hornets, and Alperen Sengun had one of the best games of his career.
The 20-year-old Turkish gem provided a double-double of 14 points and 21 rebounds, his career-high so far while adding 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block as well. He shot 4/9 from the field and 5/6 at the line.
“I am so happy for us because right now we don’t have goals, but we are playing hard, and we didn’t give up. We are trying to finish the season strong. I am really happy for everyone, we didn’t give up, and everyone is still playing hard and trying our best. I think it’s good for us”, the former Besiktas player said following the victory.
Talking about Alperen Sengun’s board work on a night he at least initially struggled to score, Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said that he “feels great about it”. “He was intentional about going to get the rebounds. And then once he got to 12 or 13, he was really going after them. That was a big part of the game. It’s funny. All season, we talked about his offense and where he touches the ball and how he can help other guys play well, and his scoring. But the defense and rebounding, it’s nice to talk about it”, he said.
In his second-ever NBA Regular Season, Alperen Sengun has been averaging 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. At his age, no center in the history of the NBA has ever averaged more assists per game than him.
Most assists per game for a center 20 or younger in NBA History:
3.9 — Alperen Şengün (This season)
3.6 — Chris Webber (1993-94)
2.6 — Alperen Şengün (2021-22)
2.5 — Demarcus Cousins (2010-11)
2.4 — Nikola Jokić (2015-16) pic.twitter.com/dNJDOqZSCv— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) April 7, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images