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Alperen Sengun shows off improved fitness in Rockets’ preseason opener at Utah

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Alperen Sengun shows off improved fitness in Rockets’ preseason opener at Utah

“His lean muscle mass is better that it’s been, and his weight is a little lower,” Ime Udoka says of Rockets center Alperen Sengun. “He’s in good shape.”

With a contract extension perhaps on the way, fourth-year center Alperen Sengun was excellent in Houston’s 2024-25 preseason opener at Utah on Monday night.

In 22 minutes, Sengun finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. He shot 6-of-8 from the field (75.0%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%), and 4-of-4 on free throws.

Houston ultimately lost the game, 122-113 (box score), though that occurred largely due to a second half in which second- and third-string players were the primary participants for both teams. In the first half, when starters such as Sengun played the majority of minutes, Houston was in command.

In those minutes that Sengun played, the 22-year-old — drafted in the NBA’s 2021 first round — moved well on both ends of the court. During postgame comments, Houston Chronicle beat writer Jonathan Feigen asked head coach Ime Udoka if Sengun’s conditioning had perhaps taken a step forward this offseason, and Udoka replied:

I would say so. We get all the body comps and all that stuff. … His lean muscle mass is better that it’s been, and his weight is a little lower. He’s in good shape, and we’re going to need that from him to have a big season.

He had a really good summer. He’s gotten himself into tremendous shape… to be able to play on both ends, with that effort and intensity throughout.

Sengun and the Rockets will look to keep that momentum going when their exhibition slate continues on Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central.

More: Report: Alperen Sengun has ‘legitimate chance’ of contract extension with Rockets

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