Rockets' Alperen Sengun Attributes Stellar Play to Spacing Caused by Kevin Durant

They've both helped each other.

Nov 7, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) is congratulated by forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images | Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun could very well be on his way to an All-NBA selection this season. He's thrived as Houston’s offensive fulcrum in the halfcourt, which has led to the Rockets boasting the league's best offense.

Sengun has also taken significant leaps as an outside shooter, nailing 41.9 percent of his 3-pointers, although the volume has been fairly moderate at 3.1 treys per contest. On the year, Sengun is averaging 22.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists, two stocks and 73 percent from the foul line.

Year over year, he's improved in virtually every category. 

He's even drawn double teams, which is a rare feat for a team with Kevin Durant. That honor generally goes to him.

Speaking of Durant, Sengun attributes his success this season, in large part, to the spacing created by Durant’s presence. 

“KD is one of the best players to ever touch a basketball. He opens so much space for us,” Şengün told The Athletic while on a road trip in Memphis. “I’ve never played with so much space in my life. I feel like it’s been easy playing with him.”

Durant stated that he's made it his focus to ensure Sengun has the space to operate, which Sengun appreciates.

“It means a lot of that he really trusts me. He always tells me to get the ball, and he’ll go with my decision,” Şengün said. “When he came here, he didn’t come in and say, ‘This is my team. The offense runs through me.’ He always tells me I have to be great for us to reach our goal. Hearing that from a guy like him means everything.”

Sengun put the NBA world on notice over the summer during the EuroBasket tournament, where he made it clear that he was one of the best players in the world. 

Durant took notice and gave a one-word summary of Sengun on social media, which was actually quite fitting. 

The injury to Fred VanVleet has forced the Rockets to play a bit different on the offensive end, which has been especially beneficial for Sengun. And with Durant on the roster, teams have had to pick their poison, quite literally.