Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün Form Dynamic Duo for Rockets

Houston, Texas – The Houston Rockets have begun the 2025-26 NBA season strong, with Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün emerging as a formidable duo. As they adapted to their new roles, the pair has quickly become a dynamic one-two punch.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star, joined the Rockets in the offseason, eager to contribute to a young and promising team. He recognized the significant impact that Şengün, an All-Star center, would have on the game. “Alpi is such a unique talent,” Durant said, noting Şengün’s post dominance and versatility.

The Rockets, who won 52 games last season but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, needed an offensive leader to sharpen their playoff prospects. Durant’s arrival was seen as the key move to augment a young core that includes Şengün.

Şengün, who stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 235 pounds, brings a unique skill set to the team. “It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Durant mentioned about their evolving partnership. “His instincts in the post are special… watching his growth this year has been really fun.”

Despite facing challenges such as the loss of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to injury, the duo has executed a powerful offensive strategy. The Rockets, with a current record of 7-3, rank second in the league in points per 100 possessions.

“KD opens so much space for us,” Şengün expressed about the impact Durant has on the court, leading to improved offensive efficiency. Together, they have developed an inside-outside game that keeps defenses on high alert.

The Rockets often use pick-and-rolls to leverage their partnership effectively, creating numerous scoring opportunities. As their chemistry grows, Durant and Şengün have helped Houston outscore opponents by an average of 12.5 points per 100 possessions when they are on the floor together.

Head coach Ime Udoka praised the chemistry between Durant and Şengün, acknowledging how the double-teams on Durant create opportunities for Şengün. “It’s a good thing for us,” Udoka stated, emphasizing their ability to navigate defenses.

As the Rockets continue to build their synergy, both players have embraced increased responsibilities. Durant’s usage rate has dipped to its lowest, while Şengün has seen his rise significantly. This shift demonstrates their trust in one another’s skills, which has translated into early success.

Amid their connection, the Rockets also face the challenge of overcoming turnovers, which have plagued them. With VanVleet’s absence felt during crucial games, maintaining control of the ball under pressure remains essential for their success going forward.

In their recent match against the Milwaukee Bucks, Durant showcased his leadership by taking over a dominant second-half performance, underscoring the effectiveness of their one-two punch as the team continues to strive for playoff success.

The partnership between Durant and Şengün is proving to be a solid foundation for the Rockets as they navigate this young season.