‘I can’t be soft’: Why Houston’s Alperen Sengun feels playoff ready in 2026

I would say we had one of the best first playoff experiences ever. We played one of the teams (often) playing in the Finals, and have been in the playoffs for years, and we brought the (series) into Game 7. We played really well, and they were a really good team.

The physicality playing against Draymond, it was amazing and taught me a lot. These matchups now, I know what I’m going to do. Going out there, I can’t be soft. I’m going over there to dominate. The mental (side) matters, a lot.

For Sengun, a two-time NBA All-Star, this year’s first-round matchup versus Lakers big man Deandre Ayton should be friendlier — at least on paper — than last year’s against Green and the Warriors.

A five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, Green remains one of the most feared and respected defenders in league history. Ayton, on the other hand, has more of a mixed track record.

Game 1 between the Rockets (52-30, No. 5 in West) and Lakers (53-29, No. 4) is Saturday night in Los Angeles. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. Central and will be televised and streamed to a national audience via ABC.

More: NBA releases complete first-round schedule for Rockets-Lakers playoffs

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ‘I can’t be soft’: Why Houston’s Alperen Sengun feels playoff ready in 2026