Nikola Jokic advises Rockets to play more with Alperen Sengun

” I can’t wait to play against him this week. » Alperen Sengun had checked November 28 in his diary, the date of the move of the Rockets on the floor of the Nuggets. Where the Turkish pivot was in a hurry to face Nikola Jokic. The two men had only crossed paths once last season. Back then, the 20-year-old was still just a rotation player.

Now a starter based in Texas, he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to show his progress to the Serb. The two men have in common a very developed sense of the game, especially in the quality of the pass. His teammate, Kevin Porter Jr, even nicknamed him “Baby Joker”.

“ I have a year of experience with Alperen. I have a good idea of ​​when he’s going to make the pass or shoot. But don’t trust his eyes, be careful with him. He’ll make the right read », develops the Rockets point guard. ” It makes me happy when people compare me to him because he’s my idol “, Displays the pivot, in reaction.

Last night, he shone above all for his qualities as a finisher. Quickly embarked on a direct duel, in the racket, with the double MVP, Alperen Sengun did not disassemble, to the point of finishing with 18 points (7/14 on shots including 0/2 from afar), 7 rebounds and 3 passes.

“The Rockets should play with him a bit more, because their game is sometimes a little too static”

If he made his model suffer, the reverse is just as true. With only four more minutes of play, the Nuggets pivot has accumulated 32 points (11/17), 12 rebounds and 8 assists! Jokic in the text. ” I played well, he played well. It was a good game for us, we have to look to the next one. I forget everything when I return to the field. I am still learning. He’s good at the post, I learn to defend when they play at the post “, notes the Turk.

” I loved. He’s his idol. He’s someone he was inspired by for his game. It’s positive to play against guys like that, especially for AL-P (Editor’s note: Sengun’s nickname). In the end, he is the MVP. It’s really a good ‘matchup’ for (Sengun),” Judge Kevin Porter Jr.

A duel all the more positive as Nikola Jokic himself, when asked about his evening opponent, has a few compliments for him: “ He is very talented. It might sound weird to you, but I think the Rockets should play with him a little more, because their game is a little too static at times. He has the talent for that, he knows how to pass the ball, he can post and he has touch and movement in attack. If a two-time MVP says so…