Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün Lead Houston Rockets’ Strong Start

Houston, Texas — Kevin Durant has made a significant impact on the Houston Rockets this season, teaming up with All-Star center Alperen Şengün to form a formidable duo. Their partnership has helped the Rockets to a 7-3 record as they look to establish themselves in the competitive Western Conference.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star, joined the Rockets during the offseason, seeking a new challenge after his time with the Phoenix Suns. He recognized the potential in Şengün, saying, “Alpi is such a unique talent. I’ve never had the chance to play next to a big who can dominate in the post the way he does.” This connection is crucial for a team looking to improve on last season’s early playoff exit.

The Rockets finished the previous season with 52 wins but were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors. With Durant on the roster, the team has high hopes for a deeper playoff run. Head coach Ime Udoka believes the chemistry between Durant and Şengün is essential. “KD opens so much space for us,” Şengün said. “I’ve never played with so much space in my life.”

Following the loss of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL, the Rockets adjusted their offensive strategy. “It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Durant noted. Both players have stepped up their roles with Durant’s usage rate at 25.3% and Şengün’s at 28.7%, enabling the Rockets to form a compelling offensive strategy.

Statistically, the Rockets are performing exceptionally well. They rank second in the NBA in points per 100 possessions (124.2) and tenth in offensive rating for half-court possessions. When Durant and Şengün are on the court together, the Rockets outscore opponents by an impressive 12.5 points per 100 possessions.

Despite facing challenges like high turnover rates, which the team is currently managing, the connection between Durant and Şengün continues to blossom. Their ability to interchange roles during plays, such as running pick-and-rolls, has created numerous opportunities for scoring.

As the season progresses, both Durant and Şengün are committed to strengthening their team dynamic. “We know teams are going to go after Kevin quite a bit, but Alpi in the pocket is a great decision-maker,” Udoka added. The partnership appears promising as the Rockets search for success in the 2025-26 NBA season.