The NBA is coming to an Alperen Sengun realization that Rockets fans already knew

The Houston Rockets earned a narrow win over the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-113, on Thursday night, earning another win as they attempt to close the narrowing gap between them and the top teams in the Western Conference.

Yet, it wasn't entirely pretty, and, while neither Alperen Sengun or Kevin Durant had their best shooting nights, a vital truth was revealed. From a hollistic perspective, Sengun needs to be the Rockets' most dominant player on a consistent basis, allowing both for them to squeeze out victories in games like this one and for Durant to make the most of his legendary off-ball presence.

On the night, Sengun posted 22 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, going just 9-of-22 from the field as he matched up against the imposing Ivica Zubac. Yet, it was in large part a result of his grit, and miraculous shot-making, that Houston won this game, and, as the season goes on, this will need to become a trend if the team wants any shot at championship contention.

Kevin Durant is the team's most potent player, but Sengun must be their most reliable

So far, the blockbuster acquisition of Durant this past offseason has paid major dividends for the Rockets. He's averaging 24.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 39.6% from 3-point range, and Houston's offense has been completely transformed as a result.

Yet, if there's one thing left to feel unsure about, it's Durant's ability to perform consistently, even when opposing defenses are stacked against him. Sure, he finished the night with 16 points, but he shot a combined 1-for-8 from the field in the first, second and fourth quarters, and he only took one shot attempt in his last seven minutes of action.

Granted, Sengun wasn't great in the clutch either. He shot just 2-of-11 in the fourth quarter, and it was ultimately Amen Thompson's clutch offensive rebound and putback that secured the team the win.

Yet, it seems that Sengun is becoming the type of player to be able to make an impact on a game under any circumstances. He led the team with 15 rebounds on the night (five of which were offensive), and, although he wasn't really able to slow down Zubac on the defensive end, he matched up with him exceedingly well from an offensive perspective.

Durant is the superstar factor on this team in terms of scoring, and the Rockets desperately need him to remain in the 25-point-per-game territory that he's lingered in so far this season.

Yet, Sengun is the one that, when opposing defense swarm Durant, is best poised to capitalize on the extra space on the floor, and, given his developments as a rebounder and a primary ball-handler, he is rapidly turning into the team's most impactful player on a night-to-night basis.