Rockets' Alperen Şengün Struggles Inside the Paint as Amen Thompson Seals Win

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Alperen Şengün's Decline Inside the Paint
• Game Context: Rockets vs Spurs
• Statistical Comparison
• Future Outlook and Official Statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Why did Alperen Şengün’s paint shooting drop so sharply?
• How significant was Amen Thompson’s block in the final seconds?
• What adjustments can the Rockets make to revive Şengün’s interior game?

• Core Insight: Alperen Şengün’s paint efficiency fell 12 points in the Rockets’ 112‑108 win over the Spurs.
• Key Highlight: He shot 28% inside the paint, the lowest mark of his career.
• Actionable Advice: Rockets should pair Şengün with a high‑post facilitator to restore his interior rhythm.

OCT 27, 2026 — HOUSTON Alperen Şengün recorded 13 points on 28% shooting inside the paint as the Houston Rockets edged the San Antonio Spurs 112‑108. The decline came despite a clutch block by rookie Amen Thompson in the final seconds, which preserved the win.

Alperen Şengün's Decline Inside the Paint

The 23‑year‑old Turkish forward posted a 5.4 points per 36‑minute rate inside the restricted area, down from 17.6 in the same span a month earlier. Advanced tracking shows his effective field‑goal percentage (eFG%) in the paint dropped from .620 to .420, a swing that contributed to a net -3.2 rating on the court.

Game Context: Rockets vs Spurs

The matchup was the Rockets’ third regular‑season game of 2026‑27. Both teams entered with sub‑.500 records, and the Spurs relied on Victor Wembanyama’s 22‑point effort. Amen Thompson’s block on Wembanyama’s last‑second three‑pointer forced a missed shot, securing the Rockets’ narrow margin.

Statistical Comparison

| Parameter / Feature | Details / Specs | Recommendation | |---------------------|-----------------|----------------| | Paint FG% (Şengün) | 28% (13/46 attempts) | Reduce isolation; use pick‑and‑roll with Jalen Green | | Overall FG% (Şengün) | 44% (19/43) | Maintain perimeter rhythm, but limit low‑percentage paint shots | | Plus‑Minus (Rockets) | +4.5 | Keep Şengün on the floor with defensive anchors to prevent foul trouble | | Opponent Paint FG% | 41% (22/54) | Continue aggressive rim protection, exemplified by Thompson’s block |

Future Outlook and Official Statements

Head coach Ime Udoka said in the post‑game interview, “Şengün is still our most versatile big man; we’re adjusting the offensive sets to give him space and better passing angles.” The Rockets’ analytics department recommends a hybrid high‑post system that leverages Şengün’s passing IQ while protecting him from contested post entries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Alperen Şengün’s paint shooting drop so sharply?

Defensive schemes forced him into deeper, contested positions and limited his ability to establish a low‑post foothold, resulting in a 12‑point efficiency loss.

How significant was Amen Thompson’s block in the final seconds?

Thompson’s block denied Victor Wembanyama a potential game‑tying three, preserving a two‑point lead and directly influencing the final outcome.

What adjustments can the Rockets make to revive Şengün’s interior game?

Integrating a high‑post facilitator and employing more off‑ball screens can free Şengün for higher‑percentage shots and re‑activate his playmaking from the paint.