“They’re a very experienced team, and they fouled a lot. In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were the ones crying all series about fouls not being called.”

– Alperen Şengün on the Warriors

Houston Rockets star Alperen Şengün didn’t hold back in his post-series comments about the Golden State Warriors’ physical style of play during their recent playoff matchup. The young big man criticized the Warriors for their aggressive fouling, while pointing out the irony of Golden State players complaining about the referees.

“They’re a very experienced team, and they fouled a lot,” Şengün said in a candid interview. “In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were the ones crying all series about fouls not being called.”

Physical Play and Playoff Intensity

Şengün’s remarks highlight a common theme in playoff basketball: physicality and refereeing often become flashpoints between teams. The Warriors, known for their sharp shooting and fast pace, also employed a tough defensive approach, which included several borderline fouls throughout the series.

While physical play is expected in the postseason, Şengün’s comments suggest that the Warriors may have pushed the boundaries more than their critics acknowledged.

Irony of Complaints

What sparked the most attention was Şengün’s accusation that the Warriors themselves frequently complained about fouls not being called in their favor—despite their own aggressive tactics.

“It’s ironic,” Şengün added. “They were complaining about the refs, but they were fouling hard. That’s part of the game, but you can’t have it both ways.”

Context in the Series

The Rockets and Warriors series was fiercely contested, with both teams fighting for every possession. The referees’ approach to fouls became a major talking point, with fans and analysts debating whether calls were too tight or too loose on either side.

Şengün’s frank take adds another layer to the discussion, underscoring the emotional intensity and competitive edge of playoff basketball.

Looking Ahead

As the Warriors advance and the Rockets regroup, Şengün’s comments remind everyone that playoff basketball isn’t just about skill—it’s about toughness, strategy, and sometimes gamesmanship.

Whether the Warriors’ physical style and their complaints about officiating will continue to be a theme remains to be seen in the coming postseason battles.