Tag: Jabari Smith Jr.

Rockets 117, Grizzlies 104: Tari Eason’s career night extends winning streaks

With a career-high 25 points and 14 rebounds versus Memphis, Tari Eason lifted Houston to its fourth consecutive win and 11th straight at home.

Two nights after sparking the Rockets in what had been sluggish performance versus the Spurs, second-year forward Tari Eason did it again in Wednesday’s 117-104 win (box score) over Memphis. Houston (12-9) has now won four consecutive games, overall, and 11 straight at home, while Memphis (6-17) has lost three in a row.

Eason shot 10-of-16 overall (62.5%) and 3-of-4 on 3-pointers (75.0%) while finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds, both career highs. The Rockets were +19 in his 27 minutes, best of any player.

Jabari Smith Jr., who was drafted along with Eason in the 2022 first round, finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 7-of-10 from the field (70.0%) and 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%).

Between the two, it was enough for Houston to withstand a monster game by Memphis forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who had a career-high 44 points (62.5% FG, 37.5% on 3-pointers), 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.

Eason and Smith’s brilliance was also enough for the Rockets to survive off nights by third-year prospects Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, who both earned seats on the bench during the fourth quarter. Sengun had 9 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 2-of-8 from the field (25.0%), while Green finished with 8 points and 4 assists while shooting 2-of-12 (16.7%) and 0-of-5 on 3-pointers.

Besides Smith and Eason, other Houston players who scored in double figures versus the Grizzlies included:

  • Fred VanVleet: 11 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals; 2-of-8 shooting (25.0%), 0-of-3 on 3-pointers, 7-of-9 on free throws (77.8%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 6 fouls; 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Jae’Sean Tate: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25.0%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Wednesday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as a three-game road trip begins, is part two of a home-and-home series of games with the Grizzlies. Friday’s rematch tips at 7:00 p.m. Central from FedExForum in Memphis.

NBA trade value rankings: Rockets among HoopsHype’s Top 100 players

Rockets players Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Amen Thompson are all listed in HoopsHype’s Top 100 NBA players by trade value.

The eighth edition of HoopsHype’s NBA trade value rankings is here!

To conduct this exercise, HoopsHype staff members evaluated and ranked the top 100 players based on each player’s talent, production levels, past performances, age, availability, the scarcity of their position, their current contract and future prospects.

Here’s where several members of the 2023-24 Houston Rockets ended up, led by Alperen Sengun at No. 23 overall.

Others in the top 100 list were Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson. The complete list is at HoopsHype, while rankings specific to the Rockets are available below.

Commentary and salary analysis is written by HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina and Yossi Gozlan. A detailed breakdown regarding all of Houston’s future salary obligations and contracts is available here.

Spurs at Rockets, Dec. 11: Lineups, how to watch, injury reports, uniforms

After a tough loss in the season’s second game, Jabari Smith Jr. and the Rockets are looking to get some revenge on the struggling Spurs in Houston.

When the Houston Rockets last saw the Spurs on Oct. 27 in San Antonio, both teams didn’t resemble what they ultimately became as the NBA’s 2023-24 regular season progressed.

Between poor execution late in the game and a series of controversial officiating calls that mostly went San Antonio’s direction, the Rockets blew a late lead in the second half and lost in overtime.

Since that game, though? Houston is 10-7, while the Spurs are 2-17 — including an ongoing 16-game losing streak.

On Monday at Toyota Center, the Rockets will look for some measure of revenge as the Spurs finally make a return trip to Houston.

From an individual standpoint, the player most looking to make amends could be Jabari Smith Jr., a second-year forward for the Rockets. Smith struggled versus talented rookie Victor Wembanyama late in that first matchup, but Smith has been much better of late.

In 17 games since, Smith is averaging 13.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 52.4% overall and 38.9% on 3-pointers.

Takeaways: Rockets clinch season series versus Denver as Jalen Green ices first road win

Jalen Green scored an efficient 25 points and iced the game late as Houston secured its first road win and the season series over the defending NBA champs.

In their fourth and final game versus Denver in the 2023-24 campaign, the upstart Rockets secured the regular-season series in Friday’s 114-106 win (box score) over the Nuggets (14-9). Besides taking their third game in under a month from the defending NBA champions, Houston (10-9) also secured its first road victory.

Talented third-year center Alperen Sengun had 17 points (50.0% FG), 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Rockets, and his defense helped limit perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic to 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting just 9-of-26 from the field (34.6%). Many of those statistics came in the fourth quarter, notably after Houston had already built a 25-point buffer.

Jalen Green led Houston with an efficient 25 points, shooting 8-of-17 overall (47.1%) and 8-of-10 on free throws (80.0%). That line included 10 third-quarter points as the Rockets built up their lead and several late free throws to put the game away. Backcourt mate Fred VanVleet added a game-high 26 points, making 4-of-10 from 3-point range (40.0%) and 9-of-12 on free throws (75.0%).

Veteran wing Dillon Brooks finished with 16 points while shooting 6-of-12 overall (50.0%) and 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40.0%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game in Denver, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is Monday’s home game versus San Antonio (3-18), with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.

Takeaways: Aaron Holiday erupts vs. Thunder as Houston wins ninth straight at home

After defeating Oklahoma City, Houston’s home winning streak is now at nine games. Aaron Holiday scored 22 points and made 6-of-7 from 3-point range (85.7%).

HOUSTON — The home winning streak for the Rockets (9-9) is at nine games after Wednesday’s convincing 110-101 victory (box score) over the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-7).

Reserve guard Aaron Holiday had easily the best game of his Rockets tenure with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 27 minutes off the bench. Holiday connected on 6-of-7 shots from 3-point range (85.7%) at Toyota Center, which led the way in a strong 15-of-33 night (45.5%) for Houston’s 3-point shooting as a team.

Other standout players for the Rockets included:

  • Dillon Brooks: Team-high 23 points, 4 rebounds; 9-of-17 shooting (52.9%), 2-of-7 on 3-pointers (28.6%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 6 points, career-high 18 rebounds; 2-of-4 shooting (50%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
  • Alperen Sengun: 21 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks; 8-of-13 shooting (61.5%)
  • Jalen Green: 15 points, 7 rebounds; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 11 points, 9 assists, 3 steals; 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
  • Tari Eason: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks; 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50%), 3-of-4 on free throws (75%)

Sengun drew frequent double teams after a strong start, which helped lead to open 3-point shots for Holiday and others. Led by Smith and Sengun inside, Houston won the rebounding battle against Oklahoma City by a commanding margin, 53-30.

The Thunder were paced by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 33 points, 6 assists and 6 steals while shooting 13-of-18 from the field (72.2%) and 7-of-9 on free throws (77.8%).

In a matchup of top-three picks from the 2022 NBA draft, Smith (No. 3) largely outplayed Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren (No. 2). The 7-foot-1 big man had a game-high 6 blocks but finished with just 4 points and 5 rebounds in 26 minutes, shooting 2-of-9 (22.2%) overall.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Wednesday’s game versus the Thunder, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is Friday’s game at Denver, with the tip set for 8 p.m. Central from Ball Arena.

Ime Udoka rips Rockets after Anthony Davis, Lakers extend Houston’s winless road record

The Rockets (8-9) are now 0-8 away from home this season after Saturday’s loss to Anthony Davis and the Lakers. In postgame comments, Ime Udoka was clearly upset.

The road woes continued Saturday for the Rockets (8-9), who are now 0-8 outside of Houston after a 107-97 loss (box score) to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (12-9) at the Crypto.com Arena.

Star big man Anthony Davis led the hosts with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks, shooting 10-of-22 from the field (45.5%) and 7-of-9 (77.8%) on free throws. Los Angeles led convincingly for most of the second half, with Houston eating into the final margin late.

For the Rockets, Saturday’s individuals of note included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 21 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals; 8-of-25 shooting (32.0%), 3-of-8 o 3-pointers (37.5%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds; 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%), 4-of-7 on 3-pointers (57.1%)
  • Jalen Green: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 6 turnovers; 4-of-15 shooting (26.7%), 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 0-of-3 on 3-pointers

Lakers superstar LeBron James finished with 16 points (41.2% FG), 7 rebounds, 5 turnovers, and one technical foul, which he picked up during a fourth-quarter exchange with Ime Udoka. Houston’s head coach picked up his own technical foul as part of the sequence and was ejected, since it was his second for the game.

In postgame comments, Udoka downplayed the ejection and instead focused his frustration on his team’s performance.

“Probably our poorest overall game, as far as effort and attention to detail,” Udoka said of the Rockets, who have lost six of eight games. “I didn’t love our physicality. To kind of get punked by a team that’s not known for physicality or punking people… is not a good sign. We had some early success, and maybe it went to guys’ heads.”

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Saturday’s late game in Los Angeles, along with reaction by media members and fans. With a three-game road trip complete, Houston now returns home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-6) , with Wednesday’s tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.

Reaction: Luka Doncic edges out Alperen Sengun as Mavs knock Rockets from in-season tourney

Alperen Sengun had 31 points and 9 rebounds, but Luka Doncic and the Mavs took over late as Houston was eliminated from the NBA’s in-season tournament.

The Rockets (8-7, 2-2) were eliminated from NBA in-season tournament competition after Tuesday’s 121-115 loss (box score) to the Dallas Mavericks (11-6, 2-2) at American Airlines Center. Houston is now 0-6 in road games in the 2023-24 season to date.

With a 3-1 mark within the group, New Orleans advances to the quarterfinals stage out of Western Conference Group B.

All-Star guard and perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic led Dallas with a game-high 41 points and 9 assists, shooting 15-of-29 from the field (51.7%). Backcourt mate Kyrie Irving added 27 points and 5 assists, though Houston held him to 8-of-22 shooting (36.4%).

For the Rockets, who led by 9 points late in the third quarter before being outscored 37-27 in the fourth quarter, standouts included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists; 10-of-19 shooting (52.6%), 11-of-14 on free throws (78.6%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 10 points, 12 assists, 3-of-7 shooting (42.9%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 16 points, 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%), 6 fouls
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7-of-11 shooting (60.0%)
  • Jalen Green: 12 points, 4 assists, 5-of-14 shooting (35.7%)
  • Tari Eason: 11 points, 8 rebounds in 21 minutes; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%)

The Rockets connected on just 8-of-27 from 3-point range (29.6%) as a team, which wasn’t enough versus a high-octane opponent.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews following Tuesday’s game in Dallas, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is night two of a road back-to-back on Wednesday in Denver (12-6), where tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. Central.

As Rockets stack wins, Jabari Smith Jr. continues to improve in second NBA season

Over his last 12 games, second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging nearly 14 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 53.7% overall and 42.6% on 3-pointers.

When the Rockets fell to 0-2 on Oct. 27 after a late collapse in the fourth quarter and overtime at San Antonio, Jabari Smith Jr. immediately took responsibility in Houston’s locker room.

The second-year forward missed two free throws and an open 3-pointer in the final minute that could have iced the game, and he was outplayed down the stretch by Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.

In subsequent comments, Smith — the No. 3 draft pick in the 2022 first round —  acknowledged he “shut down” in that moment. He vowed to not let it happen again.

To his credit, it hasn’t happened since. The Rockets are 8-4 in 12 games since then, and Smith’s superior efficiency is a big reason.

In those dozen outings, Smith is averaging 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 29.3 minutes, shooting 53.7% overall and 42.6% on 3-pointers. In his first two games, Smith had averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds on 32% shooting and 16.7% from 3-point range.

“When I’m open, that might be the best shot we get that possession,” Smith said upon being asked if he was being more aggressive in looking for shots.  “It kind of hurts the team when I turn down an open look. So, it’s just about always being ready to shoot, and knowing that I’m a shooter. Shots are going to come, and just trust it.”

Friday’s win was Houston’s second victory over Denver as part of its current eight-game home winning streak at Toyota Center. Smith’s shooting has played a key role, as has his defense. In recent games, Rockets coach Ime Udoka has opted to use his 6-foot-11 prospect as both a power forward (Smith’s position in the starting lineup) and, at times, as a lightweight, agile center with reserve units.

Smith and the Rockets will look to build on that momentum when they visit Dallas (10-5, 1-2) on Tuesday night. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. Central, and Houston (8-6, 2-1) can secure first place in its in-season tournament group and advance to the quarterfinals with a victory.

[lawrence-related id=118329,118320]

Reaction: Rockets blast Nuggets as Jalen Green fuels eighth straight home win

After beating Denver, the #Rockets have won eight straight home games and are one victory from winning their in-season tournament group. Jalen Green led the way.

HOUSTON — The Rockets (8-6) have won eight consecutive home games — two in impressive fashion over the defending NBA champions — after Friday’s 105-86 win (box score) over the Nuggets (10-6). Denver also lost at Toyota Center on Nov. 12.

Beyond the 2023-24 regular-season standings, Friday’s matchup counts toward the NBA’s 2023-24 in-season tournament, as well. The Nuggets (2-2) and Rockets (2-1) are both competing in Western Conference Group B, and Houston will have an opportunity to win the group outright and advance to the eight-team quarterfinal stage if they can secure a victory at Dallas (1-2) on Tuesday night.

Perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic had with 38 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists, but Houston’s defense collectively limited Denver to just 34% shooting and 23.3% on 3-pointers.

Jalen Green led a balanced effort for the Rockets with 25 points and 3 steals, shooting 10-of-18 from the field (55.6%) and 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%). Other standout players included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 21 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals; 8-of-19 shooting (42.1%), 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 17 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 15 rebounds; 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews following Friday’s impressive game versus the Nuggets, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is Tuesday’s road contest at Dallas (10-5), with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Central.

Reaction: ‘Dunkstronaut’ Jalen Green erupts in second half as Rockets blast Grizzlies

Jalen Green erupted with 26 second-half points, including an emphatic dunk over Jaren Jackson Jr., as Houston crushed Memphis and improved to 7-1 at home.

HOUSTON — In the opener of a brief two-game homestand at Toyota Center, the Rockets enjoyed a second-half explosion in Wednesday’s 111-91 blowout (box score) over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.

Jalen Green scored 26 of his season-high 34 points in the second half, and the Rockets scored 66 in that half while limiting Memphis to only 45. Green shot 13-of-26 from the field (50.0%) over his 30 minutes on the night, and he was also tied for a team-high 4 assists.

Green’s exploits included an emphatic dunk over Jaren Jackson Jr., a perennial NBA Defensive Player of the Year candidate, in the closing seconds of the third quarter.

Besides Green, other standout players for the Rockets (7-6) —  who are now 7-1 at home this season — included:

  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 18 points, 9 rebounds; 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), 3-of-4 on 3-pointers (75.0%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 13 points, 5 rebounds; 4-of-14 shooting (28.6%), 0-of-5 on 3-pointers
  • Alperen Sengun: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers

Jackson led the Grizzlies with 23 points and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes, though Houston limited him to just 7-of-21 shooting (33.3%) from the field and 0-of-4 on 3-pointers. Memphis remains without superstar guard Ja Morant due to a 25-game league suspension.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews following Wednesday night’s game versus the Grizzlies, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is Friday’s homestand finale versus Denver, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. Central. That game will also count toward the NBA’s 2023-24 in-season tournament.