The 2025 NBA Playoffs gave fans no shortage of highlight-reel moments and breakout performances, but perhaps none were more jaw-dropping than the playoff debut of Houston Rockets big man Alperen Şengün. After two seasons of steady improvement and flashes of brilliance, Şengün officially announced his arrival to the national stage with a postseason performance that was nothing short of dominant. This wasn’t just a good showing — it was a full-blown coming-out party.
In his first playoff series, Şengün averaged 26.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, putting him in elite company among big men with similar numbers in their postseason debuts. But the numbers alone don’t tell the full story. It was how he dominated that left fans, analysts, and even opponents in awe. With a mix of finesse, brute strength, court vision, and unmatched footwork, Şengün played like a seasoned postseason veteran — not a 22-year-old in his first taste of playoff basketball.
Game 1 was the warning shot. Şengün opened the series with a 29-point, 12-rebound double-double against a frontcourt widely regarded as one of the toughest in the Western Conference. His post moves were surgical. His touch around the rim was soft and calculated. And when defenders collapsed on him, he calmly delivered crisp passes to cutting teammates or open shooters beyond the arc.
By Game 3, it was clear the opposing defense had no answers. Şengün torched double teams with clever fakes and spins, using his body control and patience to manipulate space like a chess master. When matched up against elite rim protectors, he simply slowed the game down and outthought them. On switches, he exploited smaller defenders with power and precision. Every trip down the court felt like a clinic.
Perhaps the most iconic moment of his debut came in Game 4 — a do-or-die battle where Şengün dropped 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, including a sequence where he scored on three straight possessions, then followed it up with a behind-the-back dime in transition. That moment went viral on social media, with the caption “@alperen.sengun is HIM” trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. NBA stars from around the league took notice. Nikola Jokić, often compared to Şengün for his playmaking brilliance, called his performance “incredible” and said, “He’s got the tools and the brain — that’s a rare combination.”
What’s truly impressive is how much of Şengün’s dominance came within the flow of the offense. He didn’t force anything. He read the game, trusted his instincts, and elevated those around him. Young guards like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson fed off his energy and rhythm. Veteran shooters found open looks thanks to his vision and timing. It was a masterclass in modern center play.
This playoff run also silenced many doubters. Entering the league, Şengün was often labeled a “throwback big” — someone whose old-school post game might not translate in today’s pace-and-space NBA. But in this postseason, he proved he’s anything but outdated. He blended vintage skills with modern versatility, thriving in pick-and-rolls, facilitating from the elbow, and even stepping out to hit timely three-pointers.
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka praised Şengün’s growth after the series, saying, “Alpy’s work ethic and maturity are off the charts. He’s not just talented — he’s smart, he’s unselfish, and he’s fearless. That’s exactly what you want from your franchise cornerstone.”
Şengün’s playoff debut also offered fans a deeper appreciation of his basketball IQ. His ability to read angles, anticipate defensive rotations, and stay composed under pressure highlighted his elite feel for the game. It wasn’t just his skillset that impressed — it was his decision-making, his poise, and his leadership.
Off the court, Şengün remained humble and focused. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he said after Game 5. “I just wanted to help my team win, play the right way, and enjoy the moment. This is only the beginning.”
That quote hit especially hard for Rockets fans who have been waiting patiently for a return to relevance. After several seasons of rebuilding and lottery picks, Houston finally has a core worth getting excited about — and Alperen Şengün is at the center of it, both literally and figuratively.
The buzz surrounding Şengün’s playoff debut isn’t just hype — it’s the beginning of a narrative that feels destined to evolve into something bigger. This wasn’t a one-time explosion; it felt like a statement. A message to the rest of the league that Houston’s Turkish phenom is no longer a rising star — he’s arrived.
Looking ahead, Şengün’s performance raises the ceiling for this Rockets team. With a smart front office, promising young talent, and now a proven postseason performer to build around, the future is bright in Houston. If his playoff debut is any indication, we’re witnessing the birth of one of the next great big men in the NBA.
So yes, let’s look back — but only briefly. Because if Alperen Şengün keeps this up, we’ll be looking forward to many more dominant playoff performances. The NBA has been put on notice. And as for the fans? They’re loving every second.
@alperen.sengun 😮💨 — remember the name.
