It might’ve been too early to confirm that Alperen Şengün’s night would conclude with back-to-back triple-doubles, but in a single play during November 17, 2024’s first quarter, it was evident greatness was within reach. In an early foreshadowing of just how dominant the Houston Rockets would be during their 80-point performance in the paint, their soon-to-be first-time All-Star sets a bouldering screen, disorienting both Patrick Williams and visually, the Chicago Bulls’ help defense. Down to a final, unenviable task of outlasting former Slam Dunk Champion Zach LaVine in a battle through the clouds, Şengün mixes power and gracefulness, flushing down an acrobatic hammer. It proved to be that kind of night Houston’s gamechanger, as he tallied 20 points (on 9-of-15) shooting, 10 rebounds, 11 assists (alongside zero turnovers), one block, and a +35 plus-minus in just 26 minutes. Houston followed Şengün’s guidance to a tee, recording a still-season-best 143 points, as they charged the Bulls to move to an elite 10-4 during 2024-25's early-season slate. · Nov 18, 2024