On a third game in three cities in four nights — and a second in two cities in two nights — the young and road-weary Houston Rockets were no match Saturday for the veteran-laden Milwaukee Bucks.
Led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (44 points, 12 rebounds, 81.0% FG), the Bucks (2-0) were rested and took care of business in a 125-105 victory over the Rockets (box score).
Jalen Green led the Rockets (0-3) with 22 points in 32 minutes. He shot just 6-of-19 from the field (31.6%), though he did make 4-of-7 from 3-point range (57.1%). Other players in double figures were:
- Kevin Porter Jr.: 18 points (33.3% FG, 50.0% on 3-pointers), 7 assists, 5 rebounds in 34 minutes
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points (33.3% FG, 42.9% on 3-pointers), 11 rebounds, 2 blocks in 28 minutes
- KJ Martin: 14 points (54.5% FG, 40.0% on 3-pointers), 5 rebounds in 30 minutes
- Tari Eason: 11 points(44.4% FG, 75.0% on 3-pointers), 2 blocks in 19 minutes
Jae’Sean Tate (left ankle soreness) and TyTy Washington (left knee sprain) remained out for the Rockets, and Eric Gordon (rest) and Bruno Fernando (left knee soreness) joined them on the sidelines. Both Gordon and Fernando played in Friday’s front end of the back-to-back, a competitive home loss to the Grizzlies in Houston.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews. The Rockets return to action Monday at home for the first of two straight games versus Utah (2-0), with the tip set for 7 p.m. Central.