Wed Feb 05 08:50:00 IST 2025: ## Rockets Struggle Without Sengun: Three-Game Skid Highlights Offensive and Defensive Gaps
**HOUSTON, TX** – The Houston Rockets are experiencing a significant slump in the absence of their star center, Alperen Sengun. A three-game losing streak underscores the team’s reliance on the young player, who serves as both the offensive and defensive anchor. His absence has exposed vulnerabilities in both aspects of the game.
While Amen Thompson delivered an impressive triple-double (25 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) against the New York Knicks, crucial turnovers in the clutch highlighted his inexperience as a primary offensive initiator. This lack of a reliable go-to player in crunch time was a stark contrast to the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, whose composure and clutch performance sealed the victory. The Rockets’ other young star, Jalen Green, also struggled with efficiency.
Sengun’s absence is felt just as keenly on the defensive end. His versatility and quickness are irreplaceable, creating a significant drop-off in defensive capability compared to his backup, Steven Adams. While Adams excels in rebounding, his defensive prowess doesn’t match Sengun’s.
The impending return of Jabari Smith Jr. may offer some relief. Smith’s defensive abilities and three-point shooting will provide valuable support, potentially filling the void left by Sengun’s injury. However, even with Smith’s return, the Rockets acknowledge their heavy reliance on Sengun and are hoping to minimize further damage to their Western Conference standing until his return. The team is looking forward to having Sengun back in the lineup.
First Piper 