Şengün says experience decided Houston’s first-round loss to Los Angeles, but his claim about the series statistics deserves a closer look.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün believes his team’s first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Lakers came down to a lack of experience.
“We beat them in every stat, but the experience beat us,” Şengün said at Rockets media day Tuesday, reflecting on the Lakers’ series win over Houston.
His assessment captures Houston’s frustration after a series it nearly extended to seven games. The Rockets fell behind 3-0, won the next two games and returned home with a chance to force a deciding game. Instead, L.A. won Game 6 by 20 points.
Şengün’s broader point is understandable: The Rockets had opportunities to change the series and could not finish the comeback. His claim about the numbers, however, does not hold up across the board.
The series numbers tell a different story
The Lakers shot 47.4% from the field to Houston’s 40.9% and 38.6% from 3-point range to the Rockets’ 30.2%. L.A. also averaged more assists and blocks. The teams finished even in rebounds per game.
Houston had advantages in steals and forced turnovers. Those mattered, particularly as the Rockets fought back in Games 4 and 5. But they did not amount to an advantage in every statistical category, and the Lakers ultimately won four games to Houston’s two.
Şengün gave L.A. problems despite the loss. He averaged 20.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in the six games. In Game 3, he produced 33 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, one of the strongest individual performances of the series.
Still, the Lakers limited Houston to 78 points in the clincher. Şengün finished that game with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while L.A. took control early and never let the Rockets’ comeback reach a seventh game.
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los AngelesLakersforward Lebron James (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets centerAlperenSengun (28) during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesA lesson Houston can carry forward
Experience may have played a role, especially with Houston trying to recover from a three-game deficit. It is harder to point to it as the sole reason the Rockets lost. L.A. shot better over the series and delivered its most decisive defensive performance when elimination was on the line.
The matchup also came under unusual circumstances. Luka Dončić missed the series, and Austin Reaves did not start until Game 6. The Lakers still found enough offense and defense to advance. Houston had to find a way past the opponent in front of it, regardless of who was available.
Şengün and the Rockets can use that result as motivation entering the new season. Houston showed it could respond after a poor start and put pressure on L.A. The next step is producing that urgency before falling into a hole, then making enough shots to capitalize on the possessions its defense creates.
Şengün’s remark makes clear he has not forgotten the series. A rematch would give Houston a chance to show what it learned from it.
