The Houston Rockets caught a major break on Monday. After undergoing an MRI, star center Alperen Sengun was diagnosed with a “severely sprained ankle and bone bruise on his knee,” per ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski. For those who saw him exiting Sunday night’s game in a wheelchair, this is the best possible outcome.
Alperen Sengun Catches Break with Leg Injury
Within the last 24 hours, the Rockets have experienced a roller coaster of emotions.
They went from riding the high of their recent improvement to the adrenaline rush of a competitive matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Soon after, they would taste the acridity of a bittersweet victory. With just under 40 seconds remaining, Sengun attempted to stop Domantas Sabonis at the rim. As the triple-double machine dribbled up the court, Sengun ran adjacent to him, launching himself in the air for a shot-block opportunity.
To escape with no major injury was miraculous pic.twitter.com/nCnh3sTfKJ
— qshironalbertie (@qshironalberti3) March 11, 2024
As he landed, his leg bent dangerously, and Sengun fell to the court in immense pain. Grimacing as he clutched his knee, his teammates gathered around him in concern. Moments later, Sengun was wheeled off the court. To that point, when a wheelchair is brought out immediately after a sports-related injury, it’s typically a terrible sign.
After the game, Sabonis speak about the injury.
Domantas Sabonis from the podium. He finished with 9 of the Kings’ 12 turnovers for the game. Spoke on Sengun injury and said he was okay after getting banged up on the same play: pic.twitter.com/QI48zsKZV4
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) March 11, 2024
Sabonis, who looked on with a worried expression from the sideline, said “I don’t know what happened… but anytime you see somebody come out with a wheelchair, it’s definitely scary.”
Sengun is a “young, talented player,” Sabonis continued. “I feel bad because no one wants to get hurt, you know? I just wish him the best and a speedy recovery.”
Looking Ahead
Just 21 years old, Sengun is averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game this season. An exceptional offensive player, he’s dazzled the NBA with his footwork, fundamentals, shooting touch, and playmaking. With that said, the outlook on his availability for the remainder of the season is currently unclear.
Per Wojnarowski, Sengun “hasn’t yet been ruled out for the final month of the season, but there’s significant healing that would need to occur before he could be cleared to play again before the regular season concludes…”
