Alperen Şengün’s Heartbreaking Game 4 Fuels NBA Playoff Drama
In one of the most emotionally charged games of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Alperen Şengün of the Houston Rockets delivered a valiant performance that nearly rewrote the series narrative. But as the buzzer sounded on a 109-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors, it wasn’t his 31 points and 10 rebounds that trended—it was the shot he didn’t make, and the contact that wasn’t called.
A Rising Star Meets Playoff Pain
At just 22 years old, Alperen Şengün has rapidly grown into the emotional and strategic anchor of the Rockets. The Turkish center's physical post game is a throwback style in today’s perimeter-dominated league. His battle against the Warriors’ savvy defense, especially Draymond Green, has added a compelling dimension to this first-round series.
The 2025 Playoffs mark Şengün’s official postseason debut—and he’s not backing down. In Game 4, he shouldered the offense, holding the Rockets within striking distance until the final seconds ticked away.
The Critical Moment: Final Seconds of Game 4
On April 29, Houston fans held their breath as Şengün backed into the post with 4 seconds on the clock. Trailing by three, he pivoted and released a contested shot over Draymond Green. There was contact—but no whistle. The ball missed, and the Warriors secured the rebound, sealing a narrow win and taking a 3-1 series lead.
Debate erupted instantly. Was it elite defense or a missed foul call?
"I feel very confident in my defensive ability to defend without fouling. In that situation, you have to make sure your fundamentals are clean."
Draymond Green’s postgame comments ignited more conversation than they quelled.
Shadows of Game 3 and a Vow to Bounce Back
The heartbreak of Game 4 was preceded by personal struggles in Game 3, played on April 28. Şengün was visibly frustrated after a 15-point performance, lamenting his missed opportunities.
"When I miss all those easy shots, it's hard to not think about it. It was just making me upset."
These vulnerable words struck a chord with fans and made his rebound performance in Game 4 even more compelling.
Unfortunately, the Rockets couldn’t capitalize on his standout night. Houston Chronicle broke down the final possession, sparking controversy over the referee's non-call and reigniting debates around playoff officiating parity.
Emotion from Fans, Players, and Analysts
The missed shot became symbolic—not just of a game, but of Şengün’s journey from overlooked international prospect to franchise cornerstone. While victories matter, it’s heartbreak moments like these that define legacies.
Meanwhile, social media erupted. Sports Illustrated captured online reactions ranging from admiration to outrage. Some praised Şengün's maturity, while others questioned officiating consistency.
Conclusion
✔️ Alperen Şengün’s Game 4 showed resilience, growth, and elite performance under pressure.
✔️ His near game-winner—accompanied by a controversial no-call—has ignited playoff drama and cemented his rising star status.
