The name Udoka becomes 100% realistic when Alperen Sengun is the target
The Houston Rockets absorbed back-to-back losses after bowing to the Charlotte Hornets, 109-99, at the Toyota Center on Thursday.
While the Rockets fell to 31-19, The Hornets continued their hot streakwinning their eighth straight game. It is their longest winning streak since the 1998-1999 season.
Houston is 3-3 in its last six games. In those three losses, the Rockets were held to less than 100 points.
After the game, the reporter asked the coach Making Udoka about the strategy of the opposing hunting teams Alperen Sengun in pick-and-roll coverages. Udoka gave a short but sharp the answer.
“It’s been like that since I’ve been here. So there’s no difference,” Udoka said.
Udoka’s name was asked about Alperen Sengun being hounded on the pick-and-roll defense in the last two games: “That’s been the case since I’ve been here. So it’s no different there.” pic.twitter.com/s69Ul0IUKF
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) February 6, 2026
Doc Sengun, who was ruled out of next month’s All-Star gamehas proven to be one of the most versatile players on offense, there have been some questions about his defense, citing a lack of speed. He’s also not a strong rim protector.
But, as 48-year-old Udoka said, they are not the least bit worried. The Rockets have enough defenders in Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Josh Okogie and Dorian Feeney-Smith to compensate for Sengun’s weaknesses.
The 23-year-old Sengun struggled against the Hornets, scoring just seven points on 3-of-11 shooting. He had nine rebounds and five assists. He played just 28 minutes as Udoka pulled his starters with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant led Houston with 31 points, three rebounds and five steals. However, he had six turnovers.
The Rockets, who trailed by as many as 22 points, will return to action on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2026-02-06 05:04:00
