In a candid revelation on the Socrates Dergi podcast, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun didn’t hold back when discussing last season’s intense NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. Coming off his first All-Star season, the young Turkish star accused the Warriors of playing dirty, alleging their aggressive tactics crossed the line into intentional harm.
“They’re a veteran team with a lot of tricks up their sleeves,” Sengun said, reflecting on the Warriors’ approach. “They fouled hard—really hard. It felt like they were trying to hurt me out there. In the playoffs, refs let a lot slide, but the Warriors were the ones whining to them about every call.”
The numbers tell part of the story: Golden State was called for 150 fouls over the seven-game series, compared to Houston’s 124. Yet, Sengun pointed out the stark contrast in team mentality, crediting Rockets head coach Ime Udoka for keeping his squad focused. “Ime doesn’t let us complain,” Sengun explained. “If we start arguing with refs, he goes crazy. It’s all about staying locked in and playing through it.”
The Warriors sealed the series with a commanding 103-89 victory in Game 7, driven by Buddy Hield’s explosive 33 points, including nine 3-pointers, in a standout performance. Both teams were called for 14 fouls in the finale, but Houston’s 21 free-throw attempts dwarfed Golden State’s nine. Still, the Warriors dictated the tempo, stifling the Rockets’ rhythm and securing their advancement.
Sengun admitted the matchup was a nightmare draw for Houston. “Of all the teams, Golden State was probably the toughest for us,” he said. “Their experience, their physicality—it was brutal.”
Despite the challenges, Sengun shined against the Warriors’ vaunted defense, posting an impressive 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the series. His postseason heroics capped a breakout regular season where he averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists over 76 games, earning his first All-Star nod.
Sengun’s accusations add fuel to an already fiery rivalry, raising questions about the Warriors’ tactics and setting the stage for a heated rematch next season. For now, the Rockets’ rising star is focused on building on his All-Star campaign, determined to prove Houston can go toe-to-toe with the NBA’s toughest.