The chemistry between Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, particularly in the pick-and-roll, has transformed the Rockets into the NBA’s most efficient offense and a nightmare matchup for opponents.
HOUSTON — When the Houston Rockets pulled off the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, the expectation was that his singular scoring talent would elevate the team. What few could have predicted was the immediate and devastating synergy he would form with All-Star big man Alperen Şengün, creating an offensive juggernaut that currently sits atop the NBA in offensive rating.
The catalyst for this dominance? A simple, yet nearly unguardable, two-man action: the KD-Şengün ball screen.
According to Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast, this specific play has become the Rockets’ signature weapon. “The KD-Şengün ball screen stuff is really figuring itself out right now,” Vecenie noted. “Their chemistry is really starting to come together in my opinion.”
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A Tactical Nightmare for Defenses
On the surface, the action seems straightforward. But defending it is a pick-your-poison dilemma. With Şengün setting a hard screen, defenses are forced to make an impossible choice.
If they switch, a smaller defender is left isolated on the 6’11” Durant, who can easily rise up for a jumper or blow by them to the rim. If they go under the screen, Durant has ample space for his lethal pull-up game. If they hedge or trap, Durant’s underrated passing ability shines, as he can hit the rolling Şengün—a gifted passer and scorer in his own right—or kick the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter created by the defensive scramble.
“Imagine fighting your way through a Şengün screen only to see a 6’11” Durant whizzing past you towards the basket. Scary, right?” one Western Conference scout mused. “There’s no good answer. You’re just trying to contain the damage.”
Fueling an Offensive Revolution
This two-man game is the engine of Houston’s entire offensive system. It’s the primary reason the Rockets lead the league not only in offensive efficiency but also in offensive rebounding percentage. The constant threat of Durant and Şengün forces defenses to collapse, creating second-chance opportunities for a relentless crashing team.
The individual numbers are staggering. Durant continues to be a model of scoring efficiency, while Şengün is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, showcasing impeccable footwork and a diverse offensive portfolio in the paint. Their partnership has unlocked the best in each other and elevated the entire roster.
The Rockets are no longer just a plucky, defensive-minded team on the rise. They have evolved into an offensive powerhouse, armed with a primary action that few, if any, teams have an answer for. As long as Durant and Şengün continue to fine-tune their chemistry, Houston’s offense will remain the most feared in the league.