Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun is not letting go of how last season ended. The 22-year-old center said Golden State’s physical style during their playoff matchup crossed the line, speaking on the “Socrates Dergi” podcast.
“They’re a very experienced team,” Sengun said. “They fouled a lot. In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were the ones crying all series about fouls not being called.”
The numbers actually painted a different picture. Golden State was whistled for 150 fouls during the series, while Houston was called for only 124.
Despite the edge, the Warriors finished the matchup in decisive fashion, taking Game seven by a score of 103-89. Buddy Hield powered that win with 33 points and nine made three-pointers.
The big man also noted how Rockets head coach Ime Udoka holds his players to a different standard when it comes to complaining.
“When it comes to us, we’re not really allowed to complain,” he said. “It’s more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn’t allow it. He loses his mind if we complain.”
Even with the foul discrepancy, he admitted Golden State was always going to be the toughest opponent for his team.
“The Warriors were probably the one team that would have gave us the most trouble, and we drew them,” he said.
Houston has since overhauled its roster, headlined by the blockbuster addition of Kevin Durant. With Sengun stepping into his prime and Durant joining the mix, a rematch between the Rockets and Warriors next postseason would bring even more intensity, and no shortage of physical play.
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