The Houston Rockets forced a Game 5 with a 115–96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Rockets star Alperen Sengun helped the team secure the crucial home win with 19 points and six rebounds.

Without star forward Kevin Durant, Sengun stepped into a leadership role ahead of their Game 4 victory. The 23-year-old Turkish center delivered a speech to help motivate his teammates before Sunday’s game. He urged them to move past the Game 3 loss and focus on extending their season.

The message proved effective, as Houston won Game 4 and avoided playoff elimination. Now, ahead of Game 5, Sengun has sent a clear warning to the Lakers — the Rockets are ready to match their physicality and intensity.

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

After Tuesday’s practice, Sengun spoke to reporters about the physical nature of the upcoming game at Crypto.com Arena. He warned that his young teammates would match any aggressive play the older Lakers squad brings to the hardwood.

“I’m ready,” Sengun said. “I’m ready for those. I know they’re gonna hit. Well, we’re hitting them too. We’re younger. We heal faster than them probably. We’re just gonna hit each other and see at the end of the day what’s going on.”