{"id":585851,"date":"2026-02-06T08:42:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T08:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/585851\/"},"modified":"2026-02-06T08:42:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T08:42:18","slug":"rockets-ime-udoka-gets-100-real-on-alperen-sengun-being-targeted-on-defense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/585851\/","title":{"rendered":"Rockets\u2019 Ime Udoka gets 100% real on Alperen Sengun being targeted on defense"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rockets\u2019 Ime Udoka gets 100% real on Alperen Sengun being targeted on defense<\/a> appeared first on ClutchPoints<\/a>. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Houston Rockets<\/a> have absorbed back-to-back losses after bowing to the Charlotte Hornets, 109-99, at Toyota Center on Thursday.<\/p>\n

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While the Rockets fell to 31-19, the Hornets continued their hot streak<\/a>, winning their eighth straight game. It\u2019s their longest winning streak since the 1998-1999 season.<\/p>\n

Houston is 3-3 in its last six games. In those three defeats, the Rockets were held to less than 100 points.<\/p>\n

After the game, a reporter asked coach Ime Udoka<\/a> about the strategy of opposing teams to hunt Alperen Sengun<\/a> in pick-and-roll coverages. Udoka gave a brief yet sharp<\/a> response.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been the case since I\u2019ve been here. So no difference there,\u201d said Udoka.<\/p>\n

While Sengun, who was snubbed in next month\u2019s All-Star Game<\/a>, has proven to be one of the most versatile players on offense, there have been some questions about his defense, citing his lack of quickness. He is also not a strong rim protector.<\/p>\n

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But as the 48-year-old Udoka said, they are not a bit fazed. The Rockets have enough defenders in Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Josh Okogie, and Dorian Finney-Smith to compensate for Sengun\u2019s weaknesses.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old Sengun struggled against the Hornets, scoring only seven points on 3-of-11 shooting. He had nine rebounds and five assists. He only played 28 minutes, as Udoka pulled out his starters with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant led Houston with a game-high 31 points on top of three rebounds and five steals. He, however, had six turnovers.<\/p>\n

The Rockets, who trailed by as much as 22 points, will return to action on Saturday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.<\/p>\n

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Related: Heat, Rockets, Spurs the 3 teams that failed to make trade before NBA trade deadline<\/a><\/p>\n

Related: Why Celtics\u2019 gritty win vs. Rockets boosts Joe Mazzulla\u2019s Coach of the Year candidacy<\/a><\/p>\n