Rockets center Alperen Sengun suffered a gruesome injury in the final moments of Houston’s game against the Kings and will undergo an MRI on his left knee and ankle on Monday. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Sengun’s injury is the kind no one wants to see, and the Rockets’ big man was clearly in pain as he tried to contest a shot by Kings center Domantas Sabonis.
Sengun landed violently and awkwardly, almost immediately grabbing his lower leg at the knee.
The worry was obvious on the other players’ faces and I knew immediately that something was wrong.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Sengun underwent an X-ray after the game and the team would know more after that. Posted by Vanessa Richardson on X.
The injury occurred with 39.1 seconds left in the game between the Kings and Rockets at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Sengun lay on the floor in pain until he was attended to by medical staff.
He was eventually placed in a wheelchair and sent off the court as his emotions began to overflow.
Sengun covered his face with his hands as fans and players applauded the Rockets’ big man.
“I don’t know what happened, I don’t know what the reports are, but when you see people coming out in wheelchairs, you know it’s definitely scary.” Sabonis said. “It’s a very young and talented player and I can only feel sorry for him. I wish him nothing but the best and a speedy recovery because no one wants to get hurt.”
Sengun had one of his best seasons in his three years in the NBA, averaging a career-high 21.2 points.
Sengun also has 9.4 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
He scored 14 points Sunday night against the Kings.
Houston defeated Sacramento 112-104 for their second straight win and fourth win in their last five games.
