Jabari Smith Jr. had his most efficient NBA summer league game to date and fellow rookie Tari Eason put up a third straight double-double, leading the Rockets to a 97-84 win (box score) over San Antonio. Houston (2-1) trailed by 18 late in Monday’s second quarter before outscoring the Spurs (0-3) by a whopping 31 points over the final two-plus quarters.
Smith scored 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%) and 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%) in his 28 minutes, and he also contributed with strong defense, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. Houston was +23 with the Auburn product on the court in Las Vegas, and -10 in the 12 minutes he sat.
Meanwhile, Eason led the Rockets in scoring and rebounding with 22 points and 11 rebounds, respectively, and he also added 2 steals and 2 blocks. The rookie forward from LSU was efficient for a second straight game, making 9-of-16 shots (56.3%) and 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%).
With Smith and Eason leading the way, the Rockets were dynamic defensively in the second half — as evidenced by San Antonio scoring just 30 points overall and a mere 11 during a decisive third quarter.
#Rockets Rookies Today:
Jabari Smith Jr.
19 PTS | 9 REB | 1 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK
Tari Eason
22 PTS | 10 REB | 3 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK
TyTy Washington
8 PTS | 2 REB | 4 AST | 3 STL pic.twitter.com/ywqauUP2FN
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 12, 2022
Daishen Nix had his second consecutive strong game as a floor general for the Rockets, scoring 18 points while dishing out 6 assists. Josh Christopher scored 18 points, as well, and took over the game late in the fourth quarter as Houston pulled away for the double-digit victory.
We’ll have more coverage in the days ahead as the Rockets gear up for their next summer league game on Thursday night versus Portland (schedule). For now, here’s a look at Monday’s highlights and immediate reaction by players, coaches, media members, and fans.
Tari Eason is going to make training camp a very, very interesting time. Competition will be fierce for minutes.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) July 12, 2022
Asked Coach Higgins about Jabari Smith’s offensive production: “I felt great about it. He was able to get to his spots simpler. The way he decided to put his energy level into the game was my favorite part.” pic.twitter.com/Zm0ngvbwvO
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 12, 2022
Tari Eason shakes every hand of the media members who ask him questions after each media availability.
Amazingly respectful young man.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 12, 2022
22 Points
10 Rebounds (5 OREB)
3 Assists
2 Steals
2 Blocks
9-16 FG
2-3 3PT
2-3 FT-Double double in each game
– Summer league’s leader in ReboundsTari Eason is way too versatile and productive for a 17th overall pick. pic.twitter.com/FtnMZcw7jz
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) July 12, 2022
Smith Jr was very good today. We know he is a good shooter but his DEFENSE has been excellent…. #Lightthefuse ????????????????
— mario elie (@marioelie1) July 12, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr.: 19 points (50% FG, 60% on 3s), 9 rebounds, 2 steals in 28 minutes#Rockets were +23 with Smith on the court (-10 when off) and improved to 2-1 in summer league play.
Stud.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 12, 2022
This has been a fairly outrageous Jabari Smith game so far. The switchable defense has been absolutely outstanding, and his guards have finally figured out how to get him the ball when he’s open a bit more.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) July 12, 2022
Jabari Smith set that entire play up. Moved Tari from the corner and told Nix to run the pick and roll where Jabari slides to the rim. Results in two FT’s. #Rockets
— Don Dougan (@don_dougan) July 12, 2022
Couple nice outlets from Jabari Smith tonight. Between that and his communication and off ball defense you can tell he’s a smart ball player.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) July 12, 2022
Really nice defensive play by Smith isolated on a guard Ky Bowman. Got in his stance, seemed to set him up for the steal, sending Christopher on a break for a layup. Smith has shown a lot defensively and having his best offensive game of the three tonight.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 12, 2022
Tari Eason is who Bill Simmons thinks Herb Jones is
— Ivor (@TheIvor) July 12, 2022
Credit to Daishen Nix, who’s been playing well over his last two outings. Using his size and smarts to control the tempo, flow of game. 16/3/5 for him tonight through 3 quarters.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) July 12, 2022
Tari Eason plays grown man basketball.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 12, 2022
I will say this. All of those National Media people last year that were doing cartwheels for defensive guys Barnes, Mobley, Herb…..better KEEP THE SAME ENERGY with Jabari Smith & Tari Eason. #Rockets
— Chris A. White ???? (@fyrebear) July 12, 2022
Tari Eason: “Everything that I bring here translates to an NBA court. I don’t think I’m playing out of myself, doing too much. I think my ability to space the floor, rebound, defend, and knock down an open three are all things I’ve tried to showcase to people that I can do here.”
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) July 12, 2022
Jabari’s defensive versatility tonight gives me confidence that he might legitimately be able to play the 5 at some point in his career. Trying to not get carried away because it’s Summer League, but the defense he displayed against San Antonio was special.
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) July 12, 2022
“number 3 pick, number 1 for a reason” love to see it
— Felicia Stone (@FeliciaPStone) July 12, 2022
Just finished the game on tape delay. My thoughts:
Jabari’s defense is awesome!
Eason is everywhere. Love his aggressiveness.
Nix has been terrific over the past 1.5 games. Steady PG play.
Malaki Branham was a steal for the Spurs at 20. https://t.co/wOMCf1TP3W
— David Weiner (@BimaThug) July 12, 2022
Jabari is stroking those above-the-break 3s with EASE. His game has escalated quite quickly, now that there’s a structured offense
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 12, 2022
Tari Eason and Jabari Smith look awesome together flying around on defense so just wait until Jae’Sean Tate gets in the mix
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) July 12, 2022
The chemistry Jabari and Tari have on defense already is special
— Abel (@AbelGe87) July 12, 2022
I hope people can see the blueprint now for Jabari Smith. You don’t have to have a crossover dribble to have impact on a basketball court.
He’s going to fill it up with his shooting and be a lockdown defender from everywhere on the court.
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) July 12, 2022
I know it will get lost in translation, but that last play that Nix ran was a beautiful play and he didn’t rush it and put the rookies in the right spot to get Smith that open three. #Rockets #Sarge
— Houston Sports Insider (@BigSargeSportz) July 11, 2022
Tari Eason probably should have been a lottery pick.
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) July 12, 2022
Yall gonna have to stop slandering Nix. After a rough start he has been lights out since halftime of Game 2. He was probably trying too hard after they drafted TyTy. This looks like RGV Nix now.
— Okeezie (@OkeezieSportsPT) July 12, 2022
Smith is tall with an unbelievable wingspan that helps alter shots around the rim…#Sarge
— Houston Sports Insider (@BigSargeSportz) July 11, 2022
His combination of tools, awareness, and motor is extremely rare
— Rob Kimbell (@RobKSports) July 12, 2022
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Basketball News Click Here
