Alperen Şengün scored a career-high 39 points and gave the Rockets everything he had in a narrow double-OT loss to the Thunder on opening night.

Yahoo Sports contributing NBA writer Tom Haberstroh and NBA writer Dan Devine discuss the Rockets big man's three-point shooting in Houston's season opener and why his skillset reminds them of the two-time MVP winner - and could make Şengün a candidate for the award himself.

What if Kevin Durant isn't the best player on the Rockets this season? KD can have the headlines. The time is Şengün's.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets in double overtime at the Paycom Center in the NBA season opener on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Ryan Hollins highlights that Alperen Şengün possesses a mix of attributes from both Jokić and Gasol. Passing Ability: Like Jokić, Şengün showcases exceptional passing skills that allow him to create opportunities for his teammates. This vision on the court is a hallmark of great playmakers and sets him apart from many big men in the league.

Rockets center Alperen Şengün shoots as Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu defends in Monday's game. Troy Taormina / Imagn Images The Houston Rockets’ preseason opener Monday against the Atlanta Hawks was a date several people had circled, hoping it ...

The Houston Rockets’ win-now era did indeed begin with a victory, even if it didn’t count toward their official record for the 2025-26 season. The Rockets won their preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks, 122-113, on Monday at Toyota Center.

Rockets electing for an all-big starting lineup which looked excellent in limited minutes in the preseason, should test the amazing Thunder defense and present serious issues for the offense, particularly if Jalen Williams is unavailable. Fair should be +4.5 in that case.