Alperen Sengun addresses his “Baby Jokic” nickname after battling Nikola Jokic, while stressing his own identity and growth with Houston.

Amid the emergence in recent years of Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, a common comparison heard around his name has been that of the three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Vinny Benedetto: "I think people need to stop comparing us. I think he’s an amazing player by himself," Nikola Jokic on Alperen Sengun.

Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun understands that Nikola Jokic has earned some of the star calls he gets.

Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka was less than pleased with the officiating in his team's 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun was a late scratch ahead of facing the Suns due to an illness, with Steven Adams expected to start in his place.

“I’ve long felt that, so long as he’s playing, Luka Doncic would lead the league in begs for calls. But after watching the first quarter of this season, Alperen Sengun may have something to say about that. Because he is going to complain, always, about everything.

Rockets ROBBED In Overtime THRILLER, Alperen Sengun DUELS Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant MISSING Late

On ESPN’s latest under-25 NBA rankings, Rockets stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson came in at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

Ahead of Tuesday night’s NBA Cup Championship, the NBA has a five-game slate on Monday night with some contenders facing off against each other. In the Eastern