It hasn’t been the best start to the season for Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 pick in 2022 draft first round. But there were clear signs of progress by both Smith and fellow rookie Tari Eason in Wednesday’s 116-109 loss at Toronto (box score).
Fred VanVleet led the veteran Raptors with 32 points and 4 assists, including 7-of-16 on 3-pointers (43.8%). Jalen Green had another efficient night for Houston with 21 points and 6 assists on 8-of-13 shooting (61.5%), along with 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%).
But what kept the Rockets competitive to the final whistle was the production on both ends of the court by their duo of rookie forwards and second-year center Usman Garuba.
After scoring just 9 points in his last three games combined, Smith posted the second double-double of his young NBA career with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Eason, his rookie counterpart, added 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals off the bench. Garuba tallied 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocked shots in only 14 minutes as the backup behind Alperen Sengun (17 points, 8 rebounds).
Neither rookie was efficient. Smith and Eason shot 36.4% and 33.3%, respectively, but their energy kept the Rockets competitive against a veteran opponent led by OG Anunoby (18 points, 10 rebounds) and reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes (13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) in the frontcourt.
Other Houston players to score in double figures included:
- Eric Gordon: 10 points, 30% FG, 16.7% on 3-pointers, 29 minutes (Rockets minus-14 when on court)
- Kevin Porter Jr.: 12 points, 36.4% FG, 16.7% on 3-pointers, 11 assists, 5 turnovers, 40 minutes (minus-8)
- KJ Martin: 13 points, 83.3% FG, 66.7% on 3-pointers, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 23 minutes (team-high plus-18)
The Rockets fell to 2-10, while Toronto improved to 7-5.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews from Toronto. Houston will finally conclude its four-game road trip on Saturday in New Orleans, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Central.