Rockets star Alperen Sengun calls out Warriors' complaining during playoff matchup

Rockets star Alperen Sengun calls out Warriors' complaining during playoff matchup originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Houston Rockets learned some lessons in the playoffs last season, and it didn’t come easily.

Last season, the Rockets ascended to the top of the Western Conference, earning the No. 2 seed and their first playoff appearance since 2020. With Alperen Sengun leading the way and earning his first All-Star appearance, the Rockets fell to the Golden State Warriors in the first round.

Of course, Golden State wasn’t exactly a typical seventh seed. With a couple of championship-proven veterans in Stephen Curry and Draymond Green leading the way alongside Jimmy Butler, there were plenty of lessons for the Rockets to learn.

Recently, Sengun talked about his experience in the playoffs in an interview with Turkish outlet Socrates and wasn’t shy about the physicality he faced.

"They're a very experienced team, and they fouled a lot,” Sengun said. “In the playoffs, they don't call it. But they were the ones crying all series about fouls not being called."

Sengun is far from the first player to complain about what the Warriors get away with on the floor, as that has been a key criticism from players throughout their decade-long run. While Sengun is complaining about the Warriors’ physicality months later, he also explained that head coach Ime Udoka simply didn’t allow those complaints during the playoffs.

"When it comes to us, we're not really allowed to complain,” Sengun said. “It's more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn't allow it. He loses his mind if we complain."

Whether it’s the right strategy or not, Udoka has certainly created a culture of toughness in Houston, and it could go a long way in helping the Rockets make a deeper postseason run in 2026.  As Sengun looks to improve again next season, there’s no doubt that his lone playoff series could help shape his future.