Are the Houston Rockets considered title contenders with Kevin Durant?

Yes, the Houston Rockets are considered strong contenders due to their early season success and the strong performance of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

How is Alperen Sengun performing this season for the Rockets?

Alperen Sengun is having a breakout season, averaging impressive numbers and drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokic, potentially reaching All-NBA status.

What is Jeff Teague's main concern for the Houston Rockets' playoff chances?

Jeff Teague's primary concern is the Rockets' ability to create offense and handle the ball against elite defenses in late-game situations during the playoffs.

Home / Sports / Rockets Surge: Durant & Sengun Ignite Title Hopes

Rockets Surge: Durant & Sengun Ignite Title Hopes

22 Nov

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Summary

Rockets hold first place in Southwest Division with 10-3 record.
Sengun's stellar play earns 'baby Joker' comparisons.
Late-game creation against elite defenses remains a concern.

Rockets Surge: Durant & Sengun Ignite Title Hopes

The Houston Rockets are making an early statement in the Western Conference, holding a 10-3 record and first place in their division. The addition of Kevin Durant has seemingly unlocked a potent offensive system, particularly alongside the breakout performance of Alperen Sengun, who is drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokic. This impressive start has led former All-Star Jeff Teague to assess their championship potential.

Teague highlighted Sengun's exceptional all-around game, noting his current averages could place him in All-NBA contention. Amen Thompson's improved role as a finisher and secondary ballhandler has also been crucial. The team's improved spacing and physicality, coupled with Durant's playmaking, have created a formula that has proven effective against most opponents, suggesting Houston has indeed 'figured something out'.

However, Teague cautioned against anointing the Rockets as definitive contenders, pinpointing late-game creation and ballhandling against elite defenses as a critical weakness. The reliance on Sengun to initiate offense could be problematic against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets in a playoff series. Without Fred VanVleet and with a thin guard rotation, this remains an unanswered question for Houston's championship hopes.