The Houston Rockets were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA last season. Nobody pegged them as a real threat in the loaded Western Conference, let alone for them to finish as the second seed. This year, though, the conversations are entirely different.
After adding Kevin Durant in the offseason, the focus seems clear for the Rockets to make another run at the NBA Championship that has eluded them for the last 30 years. But, as he’s proving in real time at a historic rate, the crux of their entire operation hinges on Alperen Şengün.
Alperen Şengün Emerging as MVP Candidate
For most of the season so far, the conversation around the most prestigious award in the sport has revolved around the usual cast of characters, with the meteoric ascension of Victor Wembanyama leading to his addition to the list.
While the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić have done more than enough to warrant a spot in the discussion, one name that has flown under the radar is Şengün.
The Rockets are once again in the thick of the playoff race in the West, as they currently stand as the third seed with a 10-3 record. But their success has largely hinged on the Turkish superstar taking another leap forward.
Continuing his year-to-year improvement, his numbers have taken a significant leap this year, with averages of 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, while shooting 48% from the field and achieving a career-high of 44.7% from the 3-point line.
As a direct result, Houston boasts the best offensive rating in the league and the seventh-best defensive rating, making it a formidable opponent on any given night. To make matters worse for their competition, Şengün is on the run of his life.
As ESPN Insights revealed on X, his 28-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist performance to push them past the Cleveland Cavaliers marked a historic occasion for the franchise. “Alperen Sengun is the first player in Rockets history with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in three-straight games.”
Alpi led the team to our 5th straight win with a double-double in Cleveland!
📊 28 PTS | 11 REB | 7 AST pic.twitter.com/ojhQ79F790
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 20, 2025
For an organization that has employed former MVPs like Hakeem Olajuwon and James Harden, both of whom were wizards at compiling legendary stat lines, the milestone from Şengün is made all the more impressive by the history preceding him.
After the game, his mentality shone through in clear words: “I never back down from anybody.” It’s one that has served him remarkably well in his career so far. And, as it seems like he’s taking another leap in the NBA hierarchy, it could be what elevates him into a true superstar, MVP-calibre athlete.
