Alperen Şengün

Even with future Hall of Famers and All-Defensive Teamers on the opposing side, seeking to slow him down, Alperen Şengün’s fourth-quarter takeover knew no match. Successful in having an answer to every low-post test the Los Angeles Lakers had to offer, the talented big proved ready for the final exam, using a bruising shoulder bump to clear space before burrowing into the paint for a high-arching baby hook shot to tie the game with just four seconds to go. The Houston Rockets would ultimately fall in a one-point loss on November 19, 2023, but not before earning the respect of the national audience. Helping lead the charge, Şengün poured in 23 points — 12 in a scintillating fourth quarter — with 10 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one 3-pointer.