22.10.2025 15:50
In the opening game of the NBA season, Alperen Şengün scored 39 points, making headlines in the U.S. media. Comments were made about the national star, stating, "NBA fans got a glimpse of what Alperen Şengün will bring this year. Şengün delivered a performance worthy of the MVP award," and "Rockets' star Alperen Şengün recorded striking statistics never seen before in NBA history."
In the opening game of the NBA season, Houston Rockets lost 125-124 to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and national player Alperen Şengün's 39 points became a hot topic in the U.S. media.
39 POINTS, 11 REBOUNDS In the opening game of the 2025-2026 NBA regular season, the reigning champion Thunder started the season with a victory by defeating the Rockets 125-124 after two overtime periods. Alperen Şengün, who played for nearly 49 minutes, scored 39 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, provided 7 assists, made 2 steals, and blocked 1 shot. The national basketball player also set a career record with 5 three-pointers.
HEADLINES IN THE U.S. Alperen's performance received significant coverage in the U.S. media. Major outlets like ESPN and AP, as well as Yahoo and Sports Illustrated, evaluated the national basketball player's performance.
The monthly sports magazine Sports Illustrated published an article titled "Alperen Şengün's magnificent game ended in disappointment despite his record in the NBA opening game," stating, "Alperen Şengün's night ended in defeat."
Sports Illustrated noted, "The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder had an unforgettable opening night. NBA fans got a glimpse of what Alperen Şengün will bring this year. Şengün delivered an MVP-worthy performance. Unfortunately, it ended in disappointment. The Rockets' losing streak in season-opening games continued."
The U.S.-based international sports media company ESPN commented, "Alperen Şengün's 39-point performance against the Thunder on opening night was not enough for a victory."
Yahoo reported, "Rockets star Alperen Şengün achieved unprecedented striking statistics in NBA history," including the following statements:
"Şengün has long been a name that fills the stat sheet, but the most remarkable thing about the game he played on Tuesday night was his performance from beyond the three-point line. Alperen, last season, made only one three-pointer per game, hitting just 23.3% of his attempts. Now, he seems to have gained great confidence, and if he continues to stretch the floor and shoot threes, it will be a significant gain for the Rockets' offense."
Yahoo added, "Şengün finished the game with dazzling statistics of 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Shooting 12 of 24 from the field and 5 of 8 from three-point range, Şengün became the first center in NBA history to score at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while making 5 three-pointers in a season-opening game."
The U.S.-based news agency AP reported, "Şengün became the first player to produce at least 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in his team's first game of the season." According to StatMuse, a company that publishes NBA statistics in the U.S., with this performance, Alperen Şengün became the first center in NBA history to record at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while making 5 three-pointers in a season-opening game.