“Rockets Are Imploding” – Ime Udoka’s Blunt Comment on Star Alperen Sengun ‘Getting Hunted’ Stuns Fans

Ime Udoka criticized Alperen Sengun after their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

“Rockets Are Imploding” – Ime Udoka’s Blunt Comment on Star Alperen Sengun ‘Getting Hunted’ Stuns Fans

Ime Udoka and Alperen Sengun (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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The Houston Rockets, led by Ime Udoka, have not been in the best of form since the turn of the year. They suffered a disappointing 109-99 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center on Thursday night. It was a poor performance from the Rockets as they were caught chasing for the entire game.

After their dominance on home court this season, the Rockets have now lost consecutive games. The loss dropped their record to 31-19 as they find themselves at fourth place in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the win extended the Hornets’ winning streak to eight games as they climbed to 10th place and into the play-in spots. Their current record stands at 24-28.

Against the Hornets, Kevin Durant led the scorers with 31 points. Unfortunately, he did not receive much help from his young teammates as Alperen Sengun recorded just seven points to go along with nine rebounds and five assists. Known for their tight defense under head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets have struggled on defense lately.

Udoka is known as someone who does not shy away from speaking his mind. A couple of months ago, he publicly called out the referees and deemed them unfit. On Thursday, he did not hold himself back when criticizing his center, Sengun, in his post-match press conference.

It’s been the case since I’ve been here. So no different there.

Sengun has been called out for his lack of energy on the defensive end of the floor. But to everyone’s surprise, the Turkish international was passive on the offensive end as well.

Fans react to Ime Udoka’s blunt comments on Alperen Sengun

It was a shocking loss for the Rockets, especially considering it was at home. It was just their sixth loss at home in 23 games, highlighting their dominance at the Toyota Center. However, Udoka’s response to Sengun’s defense at the press conference quickly caught everyone’s attention. Fans did not waste any time in expressing their opinions across social media.

Several fans believe that such sharp criticism of Sengun in public does not reflect well on the team. The Rockets will be hoping to return to winning ways when they go on the road to take on the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on February 7.

Alperen Sengun on the All-Star snub

After making his maiden All-Star appearance last season, it was expected that Sengun would be named as an All-Star once again this year. But to everyone’s surprise, he was not named even in the reserves. There was chatter that the Rockets could have a trio of All-Stars, comprised of Amen Thompson, Durant and Sengun.

Following his 39-point performance against the Indiana Pacers, Sengun spoke about being disappointed after the snub.

Draymond Green battling Alperen Sengun
Draymond Green battling Alperen Sengun (Image via Frank/X)

It’s my goal after this time, after last year’s, to be also every year. It was disappointing for me, but it happens. We have a lot of talents in the league, and I’m still young. I still have goals, I’ve got to make it. I just got to work harder, be disciplined in what I’m doing, and hopefully I have a lot of years in the NBA and a lot of All-Stars I will make.

It was a bit of a surprise that Sengun was not named as an All-Star despite having better numbers than last season. The Rockets center is currently averaging 20.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 43 appearances.

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