The Houston Rockets were the NBA’s Cinderella story last season, storming to a 52-30 record and clinching the Western Conference’s second seed. But their dream run hit a brick wall in the playoffs, where they collided with the battle-hardened Golden State Warriors in a grueling seven-game first-round series. Despite the Rockets’ grit, the Warriors emerged victorious, and now, Houston’s rising star Alperen Sengun is speaking out, claiming the Warriors’ sly tactics and playoff officiating tilted the scales.
In a candid interview with Socrates Dergi, a Turkish publication, Sengun opened up about his basketball journey, the Rockets’ playoff heartbreak, and the frustrations of facing Golden State. He didn’t hold back, pointing to the Warriors’ physical play and what he sees as favorable officiating as key reasons for Houston’s defeat. “In the playoffs, I felt Golden State was the team that could give us the most trouble, and that’s who we faced,” Sengun admitted. “Every game feels like a story. There was even one game where Steve Kerr got really mad. We always fight with them.”
Alperen Şengün on the playoffs:
“The Warriors were probably the one team that would have gave us the most trouble, and we drew them”
“They’re a very experienced team, and they fouled a lot. In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were the ones crying all series about… pic.twitter.com/QLBWsbkHof
— Franchise Sengun (@FranchiseSengun) August 17, 2025
Sengun’s comments reveal a Rockets team that felt outmatched not just by Golden State’s skill but by their playoff savvy. Despite Houston’s dominance in the paint, where their size and physicality gave them a clear advantage, the Warriors’ perimeter shooting and veteran poise proved too much. Sengun hinted at a deeper issue: officiating that let Golden State get away with more than their fair share of physicality. “They’re a super-experienced team,” he said. “They fouled a lot, and fouls just don’t get called much in the playoffs. You get what I’m saying? They were whining the whole series, ‘That’s a foul!’ They’d complain, and then we couldn’t say anything, because that’s not what we do.”
The young Rockets, led by head coach Ime Udoka, take a different approach. Sengun revealed that Udoka discourages players from arguing with refs, preferring to handle disputes himself. But as a young squad, Houston lacks the clout of established stars like Steph Curry or Jimmy Butler, who often sway calls in their favor. This dynamic left the Rockets fighting an uphill battle, unable to counter the Warriors’ tactics or the refs’ leniency.
The series itself was a rollercoaster. Golden State jumped out to a commanding 3-1 lead, but Houston’s resilience shone through as they battled back to force a decisive Game 7. The Rockets owned the rebounding battle, leveraging their size to dominate the glass. Yet, Golden State’s sharpshooting proved the difference, as they drained 34 more three-pointers than Houston over the series. Remarkably, both teams scored exactly 728 points across the seven games, but the Warriors’ clutch shooting and playoff know-how sealed Houston’s fate.
One glaring issue for the Rockets was the lackluster performance of Jalen Green, who averaged a mere 13.3 points per game on a dismal 37.2% shooting. His struggles underscored Houston’s need for a veteran star, prompting the blockbuster trade that sent Green to Phoenix in exchange for Kevin Durant. The move signals the Rockets’ determination to elevate their roster and compete with the West’s elite.
Sengun’s comments highlight the growing pains of a young team learning to navigate the NBA’s playoff crucible. Facing a juggernaut like the Warriors exposed both their potential and their limitations. While Houston’s size and physicality gave them an edge in the paint, their inexperience and reliance on a struggling Green left them vulnerable against Golden State’s veteran guile and long-range barrage.
As the Rockets regroup for the upcoming season, Sengun’s fiery remarks suggest a team hungry for redemption. With Kevin Durant now in the fold, Houston is poised to take another leap forward. But if they want to topple the NBA’s giants, they’ll need to match their physical dominance with the savvy and composure that only comes with playoff experience. For now, Sengun’s words serve as a rallying cry: the Rockets may have fallen short, but they’re ready to rewrite their story.