The Houston Rockets hosted the Golden State Warriors for a decisive Game 7 in the first round of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs. Despite pushing the series to the brink after falling behind 3–1, Houston couldn’t complete the comeback, falling 103–89 at home. Following the loss, rising stars Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün expressed their disappointment.
As Houston’s leading scorer during the regular season, Green entered the playoffs with high expectations. But the 22-year-old guard admitted he fell short when it mattered most. “I gotta be better. First Playoffs isn’t an excuse,” Green told reporters after the loss.
Green’s best showing came in Game 2, when he exploded for 38 points. But his production steadily declined as the series progressed. Including his 7-point outing in Game 7, Green totaled just 55 points over the final five games—averaging 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across the series. That marked a steep drop from his regular-season numbers, when he averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 82 games.
The struggles could be attributed to playoff pressure and the Warriors’ elite defense, which relentlessly targeted him throughout the series. Amen Thompson, on the other hand, stepped up and provided that second offensive option for the Rockets when both Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green failed to deliver.
Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs
Şengün admits that have things to improve
Alperen Şengün also faced his share of challenges, particularly against veteran forward Draymond Green, whose physical defense frustrated the Turkish center throughout the NBA series. While Şengün showed flashes of dominance, he admitted that his offensive game needs refinement.
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“I think I improved my defense this season, but I have to work a lot more on my offense,” Şengün said, per Lachard Binkley of Sports Illustrated. “A long summer is waiting for me, so I’ve got a lot to do.”
Despite quality performances, Şengün often found himself forced into tough shots under pressure. Draymond Green, a perennial All-Defensive Team selection, played a pivotal role in disrupting Houston’s interior offense—reminding everyone why he’s still among the league’s most disruptive defenders.
