Jokic praises Turkish star Sengun as Rockets beat Nuggets in NBA

By Can Erozden

The Houston Rockets beat reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets 107-104, and the latter's Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic praised his Turkish opponent Alperen Sengun for his skills and contributions on Sunday night.

"I think it is a good thing that they are playing a little bit more through him," Jokic, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and the 2023 NBA Finals MVP, said after the game at Houston's Toyota Center.

The Rockets' 21-year-old center Sengun racked up 23 points, took eight rebounds and made five assists. US guard Fred VanVleet led the Rockets, scoring 26 points.

"I think that is going to benefit the whole organization. He is a guy who is not selfish. He wants to play for the team and he wants to pass. The whole team is going to move when the ball is in his hands. He played really good today," Jokic, the 28-year-old center, added.

A long-time NBA player, Jokic displayed a sensational performance at the Toyota Center as he amassed 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists. But the Nuggets were handed a loss.

Sengun was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021, but then the Rockets acquired him in a trade with the Thunder.

He is one of the main pillars of both the Rockets and the Turkish national team.

This season he averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists for the Rockets in nine NBA games.

Despite the defeat, the Nuggets are leading the Western Conference, having a 8-2 win/loss record. The Rockets are fourth, and it was their sixth consecutive win.