The Houston Rockets found themselves in one of the worst positions imaginable heading into Sunday’s Game 4 series of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets trailed 0-3 and faced the daunting reality of getting swept on their home floor, in front of loyal, devoted fans.

The Rockets clearly needed a lift. And Kevin Durant was a late scratch. His status for the rest of the series is up in the air as well.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka called the players out after a historic Game 3 collapse that saw the team blow a seemingly guaranteed victory within the final 30 seconds. Rockets center Alperen Sengun took it upon himself to galvanize the troops, displaying his true leadership skills and abilities.

Sengun orchestrated a team meeting earlier in the day, several hours before tip-off – which motivated the troops. In fact, Amen Thompson pinned Houston’s 115-96 victory to Sengun’s speech.

“We were all ready.…