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Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors battle for a loose ball.
The Golden State Warriors may have knocked the Houston Rockets out of the playoffs last spring, but the chatter hasn’t stopped. Houston big man Alperen Sengun, fresh off his first All-Star season, had some choice words about how that seven-game battle played out — and he didn’t hold back.
In a recent interview with Socrates Dergi, Sengun admitted that Golden State was the toughest matchup Houston could’ve drawn, but also accused the Warriors of crossing the line with their antics.
Sengun Says Warriors Were “Whining”
“They’re a super-experienced team,” Sengun explained in the interview. “They also fouled a lot. Fouls just don’t get called much in the playoffs. You get what I’m saying? Yeah. They were whining the whole series. ‘That’s a foul!’ They’d complain. We couldn’t say anything, because that’s not what we do.”
It wasn’t just about the whistles. Sengun suggested that the Warriors’ veteran savvy dictated the flow of the series. Head coach Ime Udoka, he added, has instructed Rockets players not to argue with officials. That mindset contrasts with Golden State’s more vocal approach.
But in the end, the Warriors came out on top. Sengun’s perspective shows the frustration of a young Rockets team still learning how to win at the highest level. Golden State’s experience, perimeter shooting, and composure carried them through another playoff test — and that’s what will be remembered.
Warriors’ Experience Won Out
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty ImagesStephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
From the Warriors’ perspective, Sengun’s frustrations only highlighted how tough the series really was. The Rockets had the size advantage inside. But the Warriors leaned into what they do best — spacing the floor and forcing defenses to bend.
Golden State hit 34 more threes than Houston across the seven games. That edge offset the Rockets’ dominance on the glass. Even with the total points tied at 728 apiece, it was the Warriors’ perimeter shooting and composure that made the difference.
That composure was tested. Houston erased a 3–1 deficit and forced a Game 7. But in the end, Steph Curry and the Warriors relied on their championship DNA to close things out. Sengun may see it one way, but the result showed a veteran team doing what it takes to advance.
What It Means Going Forward
For Houston, the lessons from that series were harsh but necessary. Jalen Green’s struggles (13.3 points per game on 37.2% shooting) directly influenced the decision to trade him for Kevin Durant this offseason. For the Warriors, the takeaway was simpler: even when their interior presence was limited, their perimeter dominance and playoff savvy still carried the day.
Sengun’s comments might sting, but they’re also proof that the Warriors still command the kind of respect — and frustration — that comes with being a perennial contender.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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