All-Star big man Alperen Sengun has guaranteed the Houston Rockets fanbase that he and his teammates will force a Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Of course,” Sengun told ESPN’s Malika Andrews confidently Wednesday night after his team cut the series deficit to 3-2 with a 99-93 victory in Game 5.
“Everybody is feeling amazing,” Sengun said of his team’s mindset.
“Nobody is tired. Today everybody showed it. Now, we go out in front of our family and friends [in Game 6], take care of business and come back here for Game 7.”
The young Rockets squad lost Game 7 to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs last year. Sengun believes his team is primed to make amends.
“Hopefully we won’t make those mistakes again,” Sengun said, reflecting on last year’s loss. “We’re gonna come back here [to Los Angeles] and finish strong.”
Houston Rockets on Verge of History?
The Rockets are trying to become the first team in NBA history to rally back from a 3-0 deficit. With their wins in Games 4 and 5, they’ve become just the 16th team to force a Game 6 after dropping the first three games of a seven-game playoff series.
Only four of those 16 teams forced a Game 7 in such a scenario. Oddsmakers are backing Ime Udoka’s team to become the fifth, as the Rockets open Game 6 on Friday as –3.5-point favorites to tie up the series and force a Game 7.
Lakers in Trouble?
The Lakers got a huge boost in the form of Austin Reaves‘ return on Wednesday, but JJ Redick’s team struggled to generate quality offense. The home team shot 42% from the field and 26% from three, while committing 15 turnovers with just 19 assists.
In comparison, Houston’s offense — a major talking point in its first three losses — was a lot more sharp, as Sengun and Co. generated 25 assists with 10 turnovers.
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. felt his team’s heartbreaking OT loss in Game 3, when they blew a six-point lead with 30 seconds left in regulation, was a teachable moment.
“I think it was just a learning moment. And I feel like we grew up. We’re growing up together,” Smith said, via ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
“And it’s just good to see Reed bounce back from the mistake, me bounce back from the mistake. … A week ago, we folded and lost the game, you know what I’m saying? So I think that’s a step in the right direction.”
Sharpshooting guard Reed Sheppard echoed those sentiments.
“We definitely remember what happened in Game 3, and we didn’t want to let that happen again,” said Sheppard, who finished with 12 points and six assists in Game 5.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 6 tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday night.
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