At Colorado, the Nuggets and Rockets offered a high-intensity game, with Denver surviving in overtime thanks to another legendary performance by Nikola Jokic.

The Serbian center finished the game with an impressive triple-double (39 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists), safely leading Denver.

On the other hand, Alperen Sengun confirmed why he is considered one of the top big men in the league and why he has the nickname “Baby Jokic,” scoring 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Both big men finished the important game with triple-doubles, offering a unique duel.

However, after congratulating Jokic for his performance, the Turkish center expressed complaints about the referees’ criteria towards the Serbian center.

“He is incredible, a great offensive player, he can do everything on offense. He also has Jamal with him.

I tried to guard him, but you can’t touch him, he gets a foul every time.

He was MVP; I’m sure at my age he didn’t get those fouls. One day I’ll get there too.”

Closing

Sengun also referred to his nickname influenced by Jokic, which he once liked but now wants to build his own identity:

“It was nice to hear it when you came to the league. He is the best player in the league, and then you come and people compare you to him, it’s nice to hear.

But now, I’m moving forward. I lead one of the best teams in the league.

Over time it will change, but you can’t stop people from calling you whatever they want. They call me what they want. Let’s see if it will change or not with my game,” he emphasized.

Last summer, after Turkey’s big win over Greece in the Eurobasket semifinals, Sengun criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo, saying he is weak in passing, “he is one of the best players in the world, but he’s not a good passer.”

After the end of the Turkey-Germany final and when the best five players received their awards, the Greek star did not shake hands with the Turkish center.