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Ayton averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in 31 minutes per game in the Lakers’ first-round series, mostly out-playing Rockets center Alperen Şengün. Nikola Jokić, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum and Şengün were the only other players to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in the first round. “DA’s had a great season. He was instrumental in us getting past Houston,” Redick said. “I think his … his, like, baseline of who he is every day for the last two, two and a half months has been awesome. And I know his teammates, certainly the staff, we’ve all embraced him all season long. Again, he’s the person that changes our ceiling the most.”
James' 139 total points in the series led both teams; the closest player to James in scoring in the series was Houston's Alperen Sengun, who scored 122 total points. This is another longevity record that James has taken from a fellow Laker legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers legend owned the record since 1985-86 when, in the second round of the playoffs, he scored 176 total points over six games (29.3 points per game).
Varun Shankar: Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka both say this team should have won more games. Stone called the season frustrating. Didn't say firmly if team would make big moves but said even if HOU doesn't, expects growth from young players (mentioned Tari Eason, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard) to lead to addnl success.
As fondly as they still regarded Harden, there was a wariness about how he would affect the development of Sengun, Sheppard and Thompson. "We're not really looking for a heliocentric player, as great as James still is," one team source said. "We want to develop Reed, we want to develop Amen and we want the ball in Alpy's hands." As another said, "We weren't going to put the ball in [Harden's] hands, so why would you trade for James if you're not going to give him the ball?"
Alperen Sengun, who entered the season with high expectations, had an inconsistent fifth season. His efficiency wasn’t where it needs to be for a big man who commands so much of the offense and his defense was middling. In Game 6, Los Angeles didn’t send help and let Şengün attack one-on-one with Ayton. The Rockets big man finished 5-for-12 with four turnovers. Media and fans have floated his name around as a potential centerpiece if the Rockets go star-hunting. His reaction to that? “I cannot do anything about those conversations. It is what it is,” he said. "… Wherever I go or… if I stay here, I’m just going to stay with it. I’m going to do what I’m doing. Same goals. Same everything.”
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Deandre Ayton, often maligned for his inconsistent effort, has been a force in the postseason, averaging 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while often guarding Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun one-on-one. “He’s been saying it all year: ‘Wait till I get to the playoffs,’” Smart said of Ayton. “It’s a different side of him that fans haven’t seen, that we expect, that we know he can give. He knows it and he’s ready.”
Rockets Wire: On Ime Udoka’s coaching, Alperen Sengun tells @BenDuBose : “He’s been doing an amazing job. With him, we’re fighters. We’re warriors. When we were down 3-0, everybody was still believing. We never give up. That’s our chemistry, and it comes from them (coaches) most of the time.”
Now, he’s seeing a much clearer picture of what the Lakers are throwing at him and picking his spots. Over the last three games, Alperen Sengun is averaging 22 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 54.2 percent from the floor. Houston’s half-court offense was pitiful to start this series — even when Durant played in Game 2 — but it’s come a long way. “We’re learning,” Şengün said. “Watching film, watching their defense. (We) kind of understand what they’re doing now. “There’s no reason for me to rush the shot or attack the double-team. I’m just trying to pick them apart and find my teammates and find open shots. That was my job today.”
While Alperen Şengun is an admitted super fan who plans trips and decorates rooms around his Harry Potter fandom, he still doesn’t think he belongs in the upper tier of Potter acolytes. “There are some crazy fans,” Şengün said. “I’m making the room, it looks cool. I like it, too. I lay down with my dogs … I follow a lot of Harry Potter fans, what they buy, how they make their room and everything. Those people are crazy. I’m not that crazy.”
Lachard Binkley: Alperen Sengun was asked if he expects the Lakers to be more physical in game 5. “Im ready I know there going to hit were hitting them too were younger we heal faster than them probably were just going to hit each other.”
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Lachard Binkley: The Rockets seem to go to another level when Alperen makes big defensive plays, whether it's a big block or a steal. I asked Alperen how much energy that give him and the team. “ I would say when me and Reed when we have big possessions like that everybody gets hyped and that is what we need.”
Varun Shnkar: Alperen Şengün said the Rockets are going to LA for a fight (not literally). “Everybody’s hungry still and we’re going over there to get another one and come back home and make them a little nervous.”
Varun Shankar: Two Rockets on KD's message to the team: Şengün: “He’s been there for us. It’s important. Talking to us on the bench, giving us some motivation. Good seeing him out there.” Jabari: “Just stay with it. Be us, be aggressive, play free.”
Draymond Green: Maybe he knows his team better than I know them, because they responded and they got a game. However, everybody made it about what Şengün said pregame, not necessarily what Ime said postgame of Game 3. So I would just warn Ime to be careful there, because in today’s day and age, I’ve had to learn to deal with younger guys. Guys will quit on you. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it all around the league. Guys just quit on the coach. I would caution Ime just to be careful there, because guys do quit. And you go at some guys a little tougher than they can handle, guys do quit. Like I said, they responded, so give them credit. But I would caution Ime to just be a little careful there. Ime is going to be who he’s going to be, and I know he goes about his business the way he goes about his business, which is what I respect and love about Ime. But I would caution him with these young guys, man. They just aren’t the same. It’s just a little different.”
