Nov 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts with forward Kevin Durant (7) after making a basket during overtime against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

'I Trust Him a Lot Right Now' – Houston Rockets Star Lauds Kevin Durant’s Clutch Performance Vs. Orlando Magic

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 5:59 AM ET

The Houston Rockets recorded a 117-113 win against the Orlando Magic last Sunday night, as Kevin Durant hit the game-icing midrange jumper with less than 10 seconds left in overtime.

Durant finished the match with a game-high 35 points, five rebounds, and six assists on 13-for-24 shooting from the field. While this was another day in the office for him, Durant still left his teammates in awe, including co-star Alperen Sengun.

“I’m really happy to give someone the ball at the end of the game, I know he’s gonna score. That’s really a great feeling,” Sengun, who had 30 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks, said of Durant.

Nov 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts with head coach Ime Udoka after a play during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“I’m just ready to give him the ball and go crash the boards. And trust him. That’s really amazing. Ime’s been trusting me at the end of the games a lot. So, I can still take those shots, but I trust KD a lot, right now. And I still know I’m effective under the rim whether his shot misses or makes,” he added.

Houston Rockets News: Kevin Durant likes what he sees in Alperen Sengun

Kevin Durant is settling in with the Houston Rockets, and Alperen Sengun has been a key reason behind his seamless transition. During a recent interview, the one-time league MVP heaped praise on the Turkish international.

Oct 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) sits on the bench during a timeout against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

“Alpi (Sengun) is such a unique talent,” Durant told The Athletic’s William Guillory. “I’ve never had the chance to play next to a big who can dominate in the post the way he does. It’s something you don’t see too often in our game these days, but he’s got so much more to his game.”

Sengun is in the midst of a breakout campaign with the Houston Rockets, averaging 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals on 48/45/74 shooting splits across 12 starts.