Tag: Tari Eason

Rockets injury updates: Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason remain sidelined

#Rockets forwards Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) and Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness) have now been sidelined for six and three games, respectively.

HOUSTON — Including their absences for Saturday’s home matchup versus Milwaukee, Houston forward Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) and Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness) have been sidelined for six and three games, respectively.

It’s a tough situation for head coach Ime Udoka, whose Rockets (17-16) remain without arguably their two best defenders.

Eason has struggled with occasional leg soreness since suffering a stress reaction during the preseason. He has frequently been listed as questionable to play: Houston decided after each shootaround or pregame workout whether that game is doable for him to play.

The current three-game absence, however, is the longest he’s been consistently out since suffering the injury.

On Monday, Udoka said Eason was limited to about 25-to-27 minutes per game, in what can effectively be described as a load management plan. Since then, he hasn’t been able to play at all.

As for Brooks, here’s what Udoka said Friday:

He’s getting shots up, and he’s finally starting to move a little bit more. That’s the next step. Some of that movement can strain the oblique, a little bit.

The catch-and-shoot is fine. It’s what he does defensively, and shooting on the move, that’s the next progression.

After Saturday’s game, Houston heads out for a six-game Eastern Conference road trip starting Monday night in Miami.

The timetable for Brooks and Eason returning to the lineup remains unclear. But with both players being evaluated on a daily basis, they’re expected to travel with the team — with the hope they will be available at some point on the trip.

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‘They bullied us’: Timberwolves control paint in blowout win over short-handed Rockets

Friday was a tough night for the short-handed Rockets, who were dominated on the glass in a blowout loss at home to top-seeded Minnesota.

HOUSTON — The short-handed and overachieving Rockets (17-16) were no match for the Western Conference’s best team by record, the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-9), in Friday night’s resounding 122-95 loss (box score) at Toyota Center.

Likely All-Star guard Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 24 points, while Karl Anthony-Towns added 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Rockets were again missing two of their best defenders in Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) and Tari Eason (sore left leg).

Brooks is expected to miss at least one more game, though the Rockets are hopeful that Eason could return Saturday.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 20 points in 31 minutes, shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50.0%). Alperen Sengun added 19 points and 5 rebounds on 8-of-17 shooting (47.1%), with Rudy Gobert (13 points, 12 rebounds) largely holding Sengun in check after a fast start.

Led by Towns and Gobert, the larger Timberwolves had their way on the glass with a 59-45 rebounding advantage. Between that edge and a 14-of-33 night from 3-point range (42.4%) for the Timberwolves as a team, there was little the Rockets could do to flip the script.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. The homestand concludes Saturday versus Milwaukee (25-10), with tipoff at 7:00 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Rockets blast Pistons as Alperen Sengun leads third-quarter explosion

Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green led the way with a dominant 47-25 third quarter, and that allowed Houston to cruise to Monday’s victory versus Detroit.

HOUSTON — At the midpoint of a seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, at Toyota Center, Alperen Sengun and the Rockets (16-15) finally returned to their winning ways with Monday’s 136-113 blowout victory (box score) over the lowly Detroit Pistons (3-30).

After leading by only four points at halftime, the Rockets blew the game open with a dominant 47-25 third quarter and ended a three-game losing streak. A fourth foul on Detroit’s Jalen Duren (12 points, 13 rebounds in 22 minutes) proved critical. Sengun quickly feasted against backup center James Wiseman.

In all, Sengun needed only 27 minutes to record a team-high 26 points and 9 assists. He shot 9-of-13 from the field (69.2%) and 8-of-9 on free throws (88.9%). Many of those assists went to fellow third-year prospect Jalen Green, who scored 22 points while making 5-of-9 from 3-point range (55.6%).

Other Houston players to score in double figures were:

  • Fred VanVleet: 15 points, 7 assists, 0 turnovers; 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%), 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jae’Sean Tate: 16 points, 3 rebounds; 6-of-10 shooting (50%)
  • Tari Eason: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%)

On a themed “Twin Night” at Toyota Center, Monday’s New Year’s Day clash was the first NBA meeting between Houston’s Amen Thompson and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, his twin brother. Both rookies were drafted in the top five of the 2023 first round, and Amen had one of his strongest games yet — finishing with a career-high 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in 28 minutes. Thompson made 5-of-6 shots (83.3%), including his lone 3-point attempt.

Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) again sat out for the Rockets, while Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) returned from injury to add 9 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes, shooting 3-of-4 from 3-point range (75.0%). Brooks remains day-to-day.

Here’s our look at Monday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and joyous fans. As Houston’s seven-game homestand continues, Game 5 comes Wednesday versus the Brooklyn Nets (15-18). The tip is at 7 p.m. Central.

Rockets, Fertitta family unveil renovations to Houston hoops court

The Rockets and the family of owner Tilman Fertitta partnered with several Houston entities to renovate the Highland Park basketball court.

The Rockets and the family of owner Tilman Fertitta recently partnered with the Memorial Hermann Health System and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department for renovations at the Highland Park basketball court, which were unveiled on Dec. 30.

The renovations included repairs and improvements to both the pavilion and the court, including the addition of new basketball goals.

This initiative marks the team’s second collaboration with Memorial Hermann to revitalize courts. According to the team, it reflects their organizational commitment to enrich lives by improving courts and community centers in underserved communities. 

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the upgraded court, second-year forward Tari Eason and former player Gerald Green hosted a basketball clinic for youth from the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s afterschool enrichment program. Photos and videos of the various events are available below.

The pavilion and court renovations at Highland Park were made possible through contributions by the Rockets’ Clutch City Foundation, Memorial Hermann’s Community Benefit Corporation, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

Takeaways: Cavs edge Rockets in overtime after Alperen Sengun’s potential winner rims out

Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists) played well in defeat, but Sengun’s potential game-winner rimmed out in Cleveland.

Rockets stars Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists, 8 rebounds) played extremely well on Monday night in Cleveland, but the big man’s bid for a clinching buzzer-beater rimmed out in regulation. The Cavaliers then pulled away in overtime, 135-130 (box score).

It was the second night of a road back-to-back for Houston, which seemed to run out of steam during the extra five minutes. The Rockets (13-11) finished a three-game road trip 1-2 after also losing Sunday’s game in Milwaukee, while Cleveland (15-12) won its second straight.

The Cavs were led by superstar guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 37 points and 6 assists while shooting 14-of-27 overall (51.9%) and 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%). Cleveland hit 19-of-48 from 3-point range as a team, led by five off the bench by Sam Merrill, who finished with 19 points in 24 minutes while shooting 50% on treys.

Other noteworthy Rockets performances during Monday’s game, both in positive and negative ways, consisted of:

  • Tari Eason: 14 points, 8 rebounds in 33 minutes; 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80%)
  • Jalen Green: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; 2-of-12 shooting (16.7%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%), 7-of-7 on free throws
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 5 points, 7 rebounds; 2-of-7 shooting (28.6%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 16 points, 3 rebounds; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
  • Jeff Green: 15 points, 3 rebounds in 24 minutes; 6-of-6 shooting, 3-of-3 on free throws
  • Aaron Holiday: 14 points, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Monday’s game in Cleveland, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is a return home to Houston, where they have won 11 straight games. The tip for Wednesday’s Rockets-Hawks matchup at Toyota Center is slated for 7 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Damian Lillard’s Bucks avoid upset, but Rockets show their mettle

Damian Lillard’s Bucks had enough offense to survive an upset bid by Fred VanVleet and the visiting Rockets, who had their five-game winning streak snapped.

In a high-profile road game versus an NBA title contender, the improved Houston Rockets made Milwaukee work. They could not, however, get over the final hump in Sunday’s 128-119 loss (box score) to the Bucks (19-7), who were led by their duo of frequent MVP candidates, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

Lillard led the Bucks with a game-high 39 points and 11 assists, shooting 11-of-19 from the field (57.9%) and 5-of-8 from 3-point range (62.5%). Antetokounmpo added 26 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, shooting 10-of-22 (45.5%). Milwaukee outrebounded the Rockets by a decisive 56-39 margin, with several generating extra shot chances when Houston badly needed a stop.

With the loss, Houston (13-10) had its five-game winning streak snapped. The final margin was worsened by a series of controversial calls and ejections (Dillon Brooks and Ime Udoka) in the game’s final 40 seconds, which ballooned a margin that had been as slim as one possession with under six minutes left to play.

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 22 points and 6 assists on 8-of-16 shooting and 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50%). Backcourt mate Jalen Green had an efficient 16 points and a team-high 7 assists, making 6-of-11 shots (54.5%) and 2-of-4 from behind the arc (50%).

Other standout players for the Rockets included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists; 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals; 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 5 rebounds; 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%)
  • Tari Eason: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals; 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jeff Green: 16 points in 17 minutes; 4-of-5 shooting (80%), 7-of-8 on free throws (87.5%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Sunday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as a challenging road back-to-back concludes, is Monday’s matchup at Cleveland (14-12). Tipoff is at 6 p.m. Central.

In Memphis return, Dillon Brooks cooks Grizzlies as Rockets win fifth straight

In his first return to Memphis as a visitor, Dillon Brooks (team-high 26 points) hit a dagger 3-pointer in the final minute and led Houston (13-9) to a fifth straight win.

In his first return to Memphis since playing six seasons for the Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks scored a team-high 26 points for the Rockets — including 24 in the second half — as Houston stormed back from an early 17-point deficit to win Friday’s game, 103-96 (box score).

Brooks hit 10-of-20 shots from the field (50.0%) and 3-of-9 from 3-point range (33.3%), including a dagger in the game’s final minute. With the win, Houston (13-9) has now won five straight, overall.

That was enough to withstand a spirited effort by the Grizzlies (6-18), who were led by 28 points and 13 rebounds from Desmond Bane. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22 points and 4 blocked shots.

Beyond Brooks, other Houston players who scored in double figures versus the Grizzlies included:

  • Fred VanVleet: 16 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals; 4-of-12 shooting (33.3%), 7-of-7 on free throws
  • Jalen Green: 14 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds; 4-of-12 shooting (33.3%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
  • Jeff Green: 12 points, 4 rebounds in 19 minutes; 3-of-9 shooting (33.3%), 6-of-7 on free throws (85.7%)
  • Tari Eason: 11 points, 8 rebounds 2 steals in 23 minutes; 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers

The Rockets were without a pair of reserves in Amen Thompson and Jae’Sean Tate, with each sitting out due to an illness.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as a three-game road trip continues, is Sunday’s tough matchup at Milwaukee (17-7). Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. Central.

Rockets’ Tari Eason pretended to be a reporter to ask teammate Jabari Smith a funny question

Tari Eason may have a future in this business, too!

After another victory, Houston Rockets wing Tari Eason got a journalistic itch that he just had to scratch.

During a media scrum with forward Jabari Smith following the win over the Grizzlies, Eason put on his metaphorical reporter hat. Eason said that he was from the “Clutch City Inquirer” (which is a truly phenomenal fake name for a Rockets publication) and got Smith’s attention.

Eason said that he noticed Smith “get to the paint” unlike ever before.

He wanted to know if Smith felt that he was on his “bully” this season. While the question got a chuckle from the other reporters in the locker room, it was an insightful observation from Eason.

Smith, indeed, is getting to the rim more often this season than he did when he was a rookie. He finished 23 percent of his attempts at the rim last year, per Cleaning The Glass. This season, that has increased to 31 percent.

He averaged 2.6 paint touches per game last season and is now up 3.9 per game. That increase (1.3) ranks fifth-most among the 125 players who have averaged at least 40 touches per game this season and last season.

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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.

Takeaways: In 10th straight home win, Tari Eason sparks Rockets vs. Spurs

Thanks largely to Tari Eason (18 points, 14 rebounds), the Rockets have won 10 consecutive games at home, and San Antonio has lost 17 straight, overall.

HOUSTON — In a sluggish shooting performance by both teams, the relentless energy of second-year forward Tari Eason led the Rockets past San Antonio in Monday’s 93-82 victory (box score).

For Houston (11-9), it was a 10th consecutive home win at Toyota Center. For San Antonio (3-19), it was a 17th straight overall loss.

The Rockets shot 32-of-93 overall (34.4%), while the Spurs were just 5-of-41 on 3-pointers (12.2%). Prized rookie Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots, though he hit just 1-of-6 from 3-point range (16.7%) and committed 5 turnovers.

For Houston, Eason finished with a team-high 18 points and 14 rebounds, making 8-of-16 shots (50.0% FG) and 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%). He also collected a pair of steals and assists, and the Rockets were +12 as a team during his 27 minutes played.

Other players of note for Houston included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 6 turnovers; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
  • Fred VanVleet: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers; 6-of-17 shooting (35.3%), 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 9 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists; 3-of-12 shooting (25.0%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Jalen Green: 7 points, 3 rebounds, 24 minutes (did not play in fourth quarter); 2-of-10 shooting (20.0%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25.0%)
  • Jeff Green: 12 points, 2 rebounds in 10 minutes; 2-of-4 shooting, 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%), 7-of-7 on free throws

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Monday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is another home game on Wednesday versus Memphis (6-15), with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.