Alperen Sengun's shooting transforms Rockets offense in opener

The Houston Rockets got a sweet shooting addition to their front court to open up their offense in the new season. But it wasn't the one they expected in Tuesday's 125-124 2OT loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kevin Durant, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns, was perfectly fine in the opener. Hounded by Thunder defenders like Lu Dort, Durant had a tidy 23 points. But it was All-Star center Alperen Sengun who was the long-range threat the Rockets needed.

Sengun started the season with a career high in three-pointers

The Rockets committed to double-big lineups this season, starting Sengun alongside center Steven Adams — and 6-foot-11 Jabari Smith Jr. at small forward. That's a lot of size, but not a lot of reliable outside shooting, especially with Amen Thompson (27.5% on threes last season) at point guard.

Sengun made a career-high five three-pointers, going 5-for-8 from behind the arc. That is a huge change for a player who made 21 three-pointers in the entire 2024-25 season, shooting 23.3%. Sengun showed signs of an added outside game this summer in Turkey's silver medal campaign at EuroBasket, going 31.3% on 2.2 attempts per game, but nothing like Tuesday's barrage.