The Houston Rockets turned a corner in the 2024-25 NBA season, as they made it back to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2020. But their return trip to the postseason lasted just seven games, with the Rockets ultimately failing to overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the first round against the Golden State Warriors.
Despite the early exit from the playoffs, the Rockets come across as a team with a bright outlook.
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With the young duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, Houston has the players to keep contending for at least a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Sengun, who is just 22 years old, appeared to be already thinking about ways to improve after the Rockets’ 103-89 Game 7 loss to Golden State on Sunday.
Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends against Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28).Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“I didn’t have a great year with my offense,” Sengun said following the loss to the Warriors (h/t Adam Spolane).
Added Sengun: “I was better last year, I would say, and I was just kinda struggling with offense, but I’m just going to focus on that, on my body, on my touch, everything. A long summer is waiting for me, so I have a lot to do.”
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In the 2023-24 campaign, Sengun averaged 21.1 points per game while shooting 53.7 percent from the field and posting a 55.3 effective field goal percentage. Perhaps with increased defensive attention on him from opposing teams, Sengun’s numbers in those areas dropped in the 2024-25 season in which he averaged 19.1 points, shot 49.6 percent from the floor and recorded a 50.5 effective field goal percentage.
In the season-ending loss to the Dubs, Sengun, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract extension with Houston in 2024, chipped in 21 points on 9-for-23 shooting from the field with 14 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block in 40 minutes of action.
Related: Draymond Green’s Interaction With Rockets After Warriors Game 7 Captures Attention