When a team finds itself with its back against the wall, it needs personality, toughness, and someone willing to carry the load. For the Houston Rocketsthat someone was Alperen Sengun.
With the season on the brink, the Turkish big man decided to take control. After the morning shootaround, Sengun gathered his teammates and delivered a clear message: the series wasn’t over yet.
A speech that injected new energy into a young group still shaken by the dramatic collapse in Game 3.
I had no intention of giving up on this series, and I wanted everyone to know it. I’m glad it worked and that everyone stepped on the floor with the right mindset. I hope we carry that mentality into Game 5
Alperen Sengun
Amen Thompson and the Rockets’ response
Sengun’s words had an immediate impact. Amen Thompson Houston’s leading scorer with 23 points, confirmed it after delivering a mature performance.
He made it clear he wasn’t ready to go home. It was important to see him take on that leadership role. He reminded us this couldn’t be the end. If we’re going out, we’re going out fighting – not with our minds already out of the series
Amen Thompson
That response was evident on the floor. After wasting a late lead in Game 3, the Rockets answered with an intense, aggressive performance and finally showed efficiency on the offensive end.
Alperen Sengun takes ownership of the Rockets
With key absences including Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams and Kevin Durant sidelined with an ankle injury, Sengun felt the weight of responsibility even more.
I feel like this is my team, and I have to take care of everyone. I’m ready to do anything for them – talk, fight, lead by example. And I know they would do the same for me
Alperen Sengun
The Rockets’ response wasn’t just emotional – it showed up in execution. Houston built its win on defense forcing 24 turnovers (a point also highlighted by LeBron James) and converting them into 30 points.
Houston takes Game 4 and throws the series wide open. It now heads back to Los Angeles with the Rockets determined not to be spectators – and with Sengun playing at this level, anything still feels possible.
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