Led by impressive performances from rookie guard Jalen Green and big man Alperen Sengun, the Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 84-76 (box score), in Sunday’s opening game at the Las Vegas Summer League. Green and Sengun were selected at No. 2 and No. 16, respectively, in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.
Green scored a game-high 23 points in 30 minutes, and he connected on a team-best 4-of-9 shots (44.4%) from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Sengun added 15 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. Houston was plus-18 as a team in the 27 minutes played by the 19-year-old from Turkey. That plus/minus figure was the best of any player by either team.
Sengun even appeared to outplay fellow rookie center Evan Mobley (12 points, 5 rebounds), who was drafted by the Cavs at No. 3. Both of Houston’s prospects drew rave reviews from many who watched.
See below for highlights and postgame reaction via Sunday’s interviews with Green, summer league head coach Will Weaver, and second-year forward KJ Martin (17 points).
Houston resumes its Las Vegas schedule on Tuesday with a highly anticipated matchup versus Detroit and No. 1 overall draft pick Cade Cunningham. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. Central.
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