The Houston Rockets and star big man Alperen Sengun tipped off their first-round playoff series against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, April 20, 2025. In what is expected to be a very entertaining series between youth and experience, the Rockets are the No. 2 seed, while the Warriors come in as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Many analysts are picking against the Rockets, viewing Curry and the Warriors as the favorites despite their lower seed.
Just after the game got underway, Sengun made his presence felt in a big way. Draymond Green, one of the better defenders in the NBA at the forward position, was tasked with defending Sengun. The Houston big man went viral after throwing down a vicious poster dunk of Green early in the first quarter. The highlight was quickly shared across social media, drawing reactions from fans and commentators alike.
Immediately following the dunk, fans took to social media to express their astonishment. One fan quipped, "I thought Draymond is DPOY," referring to Green's status as a finalist for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Another fan humorously noted, "Welp. He just lost defensive player of the year with that one. Now he's going to have to suplex Sengun to get some get back." It was clear that Sengun's dunk had made a significant impact, with one fan exclaiming, "Sengun yoked it on him!" and another stating, "An Easter Sunday baptism!"
Sengun's dunk not only set the tone for the game but also showcased his growing reputation in the league. The 22-year-old was a first-time All-Star during the 2025 season, selected as a reserve for the Western Conference team. Throughout the regular season, he averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 76 games played. This performance has solidified Sengun as one of the top up-and-coming players in the NBA.
As the game progressed, the Rockets were able to jump out to a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks in part to Sengun's electrifying dunk. However, the Warriors quickly regained their footing, leveraging their experience and talent to make a strong push in the second quarter.
In the backdrop of this ongoing playoff series, it's worth noting the history between Sengun and Green. During their last meeting on April 6, 2025, Green had elbowed Sengun in the face, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. The Rockets won that game 106-96, but the memory of that incident loomed large as Sengun took flight for his highlight-reel dunk.
Commenting on the intensity of the matchup, TNT play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan described the series as "a war." With both teams featuring star-studded lineups, including the likes of Jalen Green and Jimmy Butler, fans can expect a highly competitive series filled with thrilling moments.
As the first round of the playoffs unfolds, the Rockets' performance will be closely scrutinized. Coach Ime Udoka has led the team to a 52-30 record in the regular season, and the expectations are high for them to make a deep playoff run. The Warriors, known for their playoff pedigree and star power, will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge.
With the series still in its early stages, the excitement is palpable. Sengun's dunk has already become a defining moment of Game 1, and it will be interesting to see how both teams adjust as the series progresses. Will the Rockets continue to capitalize on their youth and energy, or will the Warriors' experience and skill prevail?
As fans eagerly await the next installment of this playoff showdown, one thing is certain: Alperen Sengun's dunk over Draymond Green has set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable series.
