Rockets' Alperen Sengun makes history with shockingly fast triple-double | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 15:30 GMT by Sporting News

Alperen Sengün Sets a New NBA Record, Giving the Houston Rockets a Sweet Moment

In a game that felt more like a historic milestone than a regular‑season contest, the Houston Rockets’ Turkish star Alperen Sengün became the fastest player in NBA history to record a triple‑double. The 6‑7‑1‑0‑center finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a single game, all of which came in just 20 minutes of action—an astonishing speed that eclipsed every other player in the league’s history.

The record was set on March 15, 2024, when the Rockets faced the Los Angeles Lakers on the road in a battle that saw the Rockets win 122‑112. In a game that seemed destined to become a low‑scoring slugfest, Sengün’s explosive performance lifted Houston from a sluggish 20‑0 start to a 12‑point lead in the final quarter. He was the engine behind the Rockets’ offense, creating 10 assists—seven of which were on fast‑break opportunities—while also pulling down a career‑high 14 rebounds. He finished with 16 points on 6‑of‑12 shooting, and 3‑of‑4 from the 3‑point line.

Sengün’s 20‑minute stat line is the fastest triple‑double in NBA history, breaking a record that had stood since 2015. The previous mark was held by Russell Westbrook, who posted a 21‑minute triple‑double against the Utah Jazz in 2015. While the Rockets were not a favorite going into the game, Sengün’s explosive output changed the narrative entirely. “We’re happy to win, but we’re more proud of what Alperen did,” Rockets head coach Stephen Silas said in a post‑game interview. “He’s been playing well all season, but this is one of the best individual performances in the league this year.”

The 2024 season has been a season of growth for the Rockets. After a 21‑55 record in 2022‑23, Houston is in a rebuilding mode that leans heavily on its young core of Luka Doncic‑t‑style players and international talent. “Alperen’s the first player from Turkey to ever record a triple‑double in the NBA,” said former Rockets guard Steve Serrano, who has long followed the growth of the franchise. “It’s a great story for the organization.”

Sengün’s record‑breaking triple‑double was not a fluke. During the 2023‑24 season he has averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The Rockets have given him a lot of minutes—he’s logged more than 20 minutes per game—yet his efficiency has improved dramatically. According to the NBA’s advanced statistics database, his usage rate jumped from 16.3% in 2022‑23 to 22.7% in 2023‑24, while his true shooting percentage rose to .547. The record will likely help him be seen as a cornerstone around which Houston can build.

While the Rockets’ win was a bright spot in a season that has been difficult for many in the NBA, the real story was the historic nature of Sengün’s performance. According to the NBA’s triple‑double archive, there have been 3,500 triple‑doubles in league history. Only a handful have been recorded in under 25 minutes of play. In addition, Sengün is only the 11th player in NBA history to record a triple‑double in the first 30 minutes of a game. The record is an indication that the Rockets are now becoming a more well‑rounded team, no longer just a point‑guard‑centric franchise.

The game itself was a classic back‑and‑forth duel, with the Lakers leading for much of the second half. However, the Rockets’ defensive scheme, run by defensive specialist Jalen Green, forced the Lakers into bad shots and opened up opportunities for Sengün. Green, who recorded 13 rebounds, hit a crucial 3‑pointer early in the fourth quarter and set the tone defensively.

Sengün’s performance was widely celebrated across the league. Lakers coach Frank Vasquez praised the Rockets’ young talent: “Alperen is an excellent player, and he gave his team a big boost. I wish him all the best.” The NBA’s weekly digest highlighted Sengün as the “Player of the Week” for his outstanding statistical output and record.

As the Rockets move forward, their record‑breaking triple‑double will become a touchstone for the organization. It is not only a testament to Sengün’s skill and work ethic, but also a sign that Houston is starting to carve a path back to playoff contention. In a league that values versatility, Sengün’s ability to contribute across the board will be an asset for the Rockets moving into the second half of the season.

In the end, Alperen Sengün’s record‑breaking performance was more than a single night of brilliance; it was a symbol of Houston’s potential to build a competitive future on a blend of domestic talent and international stars. The Rockets fans will no doubt remember this night as a turning point, and Sengün’s name will go down in NBA history for achieving the fastest triple‑double ever recorded.