Durant Highlights Şengüns Impact: His Versatility Keeps Defenses Guessing

The Houston Rockets achieved an impressive victory with a score of 140–127 against the Utah Jazz in their preseason game, with Turkish center Alperen Şengün once again shining with his versatile skills.

In just 28 minutes of play, Şengün recorded 13 points, five rebounds, 13 assists, and four steals, further establishing his reputation as one of the most distinct big men in the league.

After the match, Kevin Durant, who scored 20 points in his debut with the Rockets, praised his younger teammate’s significant influence on the court.

“Definitely. We have a big man who can extend his game and create plays from the top of the key,” Durant remarked. “His positioning opens up a lot of space for us. It makes our offense unpredictable since he can take it one-on-one, set screens, or facilitate with handoff passes. We can also set screens for him. When he has the ball, he creates confusion for the defense, and we have complete faith in him to make the right choice every time.”

Durant elaborated on the on-court synergy he shares with Şengün, which poses challenges for competing defenses.

“When he’s in the post and I’m spaced out in the corner or at the top — or even alongside him — defenses find it difficult to decide. They often try to send help toward him, but I’ve noticed recently that some teams aim to deny me the ball instead. That actually makes it easier for Alperen,” Durant observed. “It goes both ways; when I’m at the key, defenders hesitate to leave him unguarded, which creates just enough room for me to find my shooting rhythm.”

When asked if opponents’ double-teams could play into the Rockets’ favor, Durant responded affirmatively.

“Definitely. We want teams to send double teams our way,” he said with a grin. “When two players focus on the ball, it creates more opportunities for our offense. Everyone gets more involved, and the game flows easier.”