Victor Wembanyama challenge gives Alperen Sengun a chance to send a message

Alperen Sengun showed some promising signs in the Rockets’ season opener against the Mavericks, but he’ll have a much bigger chance to make a statement in game 2 against the Spurs. The headliner will be Sengun’s direct matchup with Victor Wembanyama. Sengun has played Wemby well so far in his career; he can turn heads with another solid outing against The Alien.

Sengun could be a counter for Wemby

Wembanyama is typically a defensive wrecking ball for any matchup, but Sengun has fared well thanks to his unique skillset. He’s got the size and physicality to get into Wemby’s body and displace him for some post finishes.

Sengun has averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game in 10 career matchups against Wemby while shooting 49% from the field and 39% from three. The outside shooting has also been very important, since it can keep Wemby away from the rim. The Rockets are hoping to see growth in that area this season from Sengun and other young Rockets.

Ideally, Sengun will be able to occupy Wemby’s attention on the perimeter when his Houston teammates have the ball. But when Sengun himself has scoring opportunities, he should attack Wemby directly in the post and the paint, which could wear down the Frenchman over the whole game. The Rockets’ swarming defense can also do a number on Wembanyama over 48 minutes.

Sengun can make a huge statement

Despite all his success and accolades so far, Sengun is still overlooked by most fans and media. In fact, Fansided’s own site experts rated him the most overrated player in the NBA. The best way to shake that perception will be a good performance against the league’s brightest young star.

To most people, Sengun is nowhere near Wembanyama’s level. But Alpi should feel differently. He’s a 2x All-Star in his own right and regularly carries the Rockets offense in ways that Wemby can’t match. 

If Sengun can have a similar impact to Wembanyama, or even outplay him, the Rockets have enough talent elsewhere to beat the Spurs. That would be a great way to put the world on notice and announce Houston’s contender status.

And it’s not just offensively where Sengun needs to play well. He can make a big impact by playing adequate defense and limiting Wemby. Wembanyama himself has also averaged 20 points per game against Sengun in his career, but his efficiency has been poor in those matchups. He’s only shot 45% from the field and a paltry 18% from the field against Sengun.

The Rockets need those trends to continue, powered by Sengun’s play. He could be entering a make-or-break year and this is the time to show what he’s worth.

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