Golden State Woes: Sengun Shines Again Against GSW

The Houston Rockets came into Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs with something to prove. After a challenging Game 1 loss, they returned to the court at the Toyota Center with intensity, focus, and fire. The result? A dominant 109-94 win over the GSW, which evened the series at 1-1.

From the opening tip, Houston appeared to be a different team. At the heart of their turnaround was Türkiye’s rising star, Alperen Sengun. The 21-year-old center stepped up hugely. He led the team not just in stats but also in spirit. His performance overwhelmed GSW and earned praise across the league.

Sengun Takes Over

Alperen Sengun delivered one of the best playoff performances of his young career. He recorded 17 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in 37 minutes. His presence was felt on every play. Whether setting screens, passing out of double teams, or crashing the boards, he was everywhere.

More than just a stat sheet stuffer, Sengun dictated the game’s pace. He controlled the paint, altered shots, and moved the ball smartly. He kept the Rockets organized on offense and alert on defense.

During the halftime show on TNT, Shaquille O’Neal gave Sengun a new nickname—“The Turkish Terminator.” That one phrase summed up the way Sengun attacked the game. Relentless. Confident. Powerful. Charles Barkley backed him too, praising Sengun’s balance, agility, and high basketball IQ.

GSW had no answer for Sengun. He outmuscled their bigs and outsmarted their guards. Every time the Warriors tried to build momentum, Sengun either made a play or set one up. He was the heartbeat of the Rockets.

Rockets’ Supporting Cast Delivers

Alperen Sengun’s leadership allowed other Rockets to shine. Most notably, Jalen Green exploded for 38 points. He caught fire from beyond the arc, draining 8 three-pointers. His quick release and deep range stretched GSW’s defense all night.

Green’s energy was infectious. He attacked the rim, pulled up from deep, and fed off the crowd’s roar. This game may go down as one of the defining performances of his career.

Dillon Brooks added 16 points, showing his usual grit and hustle. Tari Eason contributed 14 with key defensive stops. Amen Thompson chipped in 11 points and added tempo in transition.

Every Rockets player stepped up. Their movement on offense was crisp. Their defense was tight. They played physical basketball — something GSW couldn’t match.

GSW Struggles Without Butler

The Warriors started Game 2 with confidence, but that quickly faded. In the first quarter, Jimmy Butler went down with an injury. He did not return, and his absence left a significant hole on both ends of the floor.

Stephen Curry tried to carry the team, scoring 20 points and dishing 9 assists. But with Butler out, Curry faced constant pressure. He had to do too much. The Rockets double-teamed him frequently, forcing other Warriors to step up — and they couldn’t.

Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins both struggled. GSW’s offense lacked flow. Their defense looked slow and confused. Without Butler’s leadership and defense, they simply couldn’t keep up with the Rockets’ energy.

The Warriors also had trouble on the boards. Sengun dominated the glass, and Houston won the rebound battle with ease. GSW gave up too many second-chance points, and their fast-break opportunities were limited.

Series Outlook: Game 3 Looms Large

With the series tied at 1-1, all eyes now turn to Game 3. Momentum is firmly with Houston. They responded to adversity with poise and power. If Sengun and Green continue to play at this level, GSW could be in real trouble.

The big question is Jimmy Butler’s health. If he misses more time, GSW will need role players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, or Kevon Looney to step up. Head coach Steve Kerr will have to make adjustments fast.

Meanwhile, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has figured something out. His team played inspired basketball, showcasing depth, resilience, and maturity. Game 3 in San Francisco will test that resolve.

Alperen Sengun: The Future is Now

Alperen Sengun is no longer just a promising young big man — he’s becoming a playoff star. His Game 2 performance showed why so many scouts, coaches, and legends are excited about his future.

He has soft hands, great footwork, and elite passing for a center. His court awareness is well beyond his years. Against GSW, he demonstrated his ability to lead a team in the postseason.

If Sengun continues to dominate, the Rockets have a real shot at pulling off a first-round upset. His calm demeanor and explosive play give Houston a foundation for success, not just this series, but for years to come.

Conclusion

The Rockets made a loud statement in Game 2. They didn’t just win — they dominated. Behind Alperen Sengun’s all-around brilliance and Jalen Green’s shooting clinic, Houston leveled the series and seized the momentum.

GSW, on the other hand, now faces questions. Can they recover? Can they adjust? And most importantly, can they stop Sengun?

Game 3 will tell us a lot. But one thing is already clear: Sengun is shining, and GSW better find answers — fast.

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