Alperen Sengun, the Houston Rockets’ All-Star, spoke candidly about his first NBA Playoff experience and addressed the controversial physical style of play against the Golden State Warriors in a recent interview with Turkish sports analyst Socrates Dergi. Sengun criticized the Warriors for their fouling and their complaints about calls during the series, sparking widespread debate among fans and analysts.
Sengun Challenges Warriors Over Fouling and Complaints During Playoffs
Reflecting on his playoff debut against the Warriors, Sengun acknowledged their experience but claimed they committed numerous fouls while complaining about officiating. He expressed frustration that while the Warriors expected leniency in foul calls, they were quick to criticize referees when the Rockets used similar physical tactics. Sengun emphasized that his team is not permitted to complain, highlighting coach Ime Udoka’s strict stance on maintaining discipline.
The Warriors were probably the one team that would have given us the most trouble, and we drew them.
—Alperen Sengun
They’re a very experienced team, and 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.
—Alperen Sengun
When it comes to us, we’re not really allowed to complain. It’s more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn’t allow it. He loses his mind if we complain.
—Alperen Sengun
Public and Fan Reactions Criticize Sengun’s Remarks
The comments quickly ignited backlash, with many fans accusing the Rockets of deliberately targeting Warriors star Steph Curry’s injured wrist and questioning Sengun’s knowledge of playoff intensity. Critics pointed out Sengun’s frequent complaints throughout the series and argued that the physical play was mutual rather than one-sided.
Sengun complains the most from either team.
—Fan Comment
They hacked Steph all series and were getting away with it.
—Fan Comment
You sound like a sore loser. Everyone knows the refs aren’t going to see or make every call. That whole series was physical on both sides. Stop crying, Alperen. Great players get back in the gym and come back better.
—Fan Comment
Sengun..you should be the last one talking about crying
. Y’all n***** fouled the f**k out of the warriors, and they just did it back, and y’all couldn’t handle it.
Alperen is such a whiny child and a liar.
—Fan Comment
Damn, Sengun, focus on getting better, not using the refs as an excuse.
—Fan Comment
Their ENTIRE TEAM was fouling Steph every single possession wtf is he talking about?? Couldn’t even bring the ball to half-court without getting fouled. Sengun threw his arms in the sky every time he missed a shot; that’s not a foul.
—Fan Comment
Statistical Performance Highlights Sengun’s Playoff Impact
Despite the intense criticism, Sengun’s performance against the Warriors was notable. Throughout the seven-game playoff series, he averaged 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, significantly improving from his regular-season averages against Golden State. Over 13 regular-season games, Sengun posted averages of 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Upcoming Encounters Between Rockets and Warriors
The rivalry will continue in the 2025-26 season, with the Rockets and Warriors scheduled to meet three times. Their first game will be part of the NBA Cup on November 26, followed by two regular-season matchups on March 5 and April 5. Sengun, having taken an All-Star leap, seems confident the Rockets are now equipped to challenge Golden State in future playoff battles.