Alperen Sengun’s Game 5 warning shot to Lakers promises a war

The Houston Rockets earned a 115-96 Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, forcing a Game 5 for the playoff series. Although Houston needs to string together three more wins to advance to the next round, it sounds like Alperen Sengun and the club are confident heading into the next contest.

While talking with media members on Tuesday at practice, the 23-year-old center delivered a warning to the Lakers for Wednesday’s matchup. Sengun expects Game 5 to be a physical game, but likes the Rockets’ odds due to how youthful the roster is compared to L.A. At the end of the day, Sengun is ready for whatever happens against the Lakers.

“I’m ready… I know they’re gonna hit,” said Sengun. “Well, we’re hitting them too… We’re younger. We heal faster than them probably.”

"I'm ready… I know they're gonna hit. Well, we're hitting them too… We're younger. We heal faster than them probably."

Rockets' Alperen Sengun on the expected physicality for Game 5 against the Lakers

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Houston responded well to the gut-punch 112-108 overtime loss in Game 3 by stepping up in Game 4 and getting back in the win column. The Rockets have to maintain that momentum for Wednesday night, as a loss sends the franchise packing its bags and enjoying an early vacation before the summer.

Alperen Sengun had a solid outing in Game 4, as the five-year veteran recorded the second-most points for the Rockets with 19. He also totaled six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and one block while shooting 50.0% from the field and hitting seven of his 13 free-throw attempts.

Game 5 should be a fun matchup to watch for fans. The Rockets are fighting for their playoff lives while the Lakers are attempting to close out the series and advance to the next round. Tip-off is scheduled at 10 p.m. EST and will take place in Los Angeles.

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