Takeaways: Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun magical as Rockets end skid in Orlando

In a matchup featuring numerous high first-round picks from the 2021 and 2022 NBA draft classes, it was Rockets guard Jalen Green who stole the show with 34 efficient points as Houston snapped its six-game losing streak with a 134-127 win (box score) at Orlando.

Both the Magic and Rockets are now 2-9 on the 2022-23 regular season to date. Green connected on 12-of-18 shots (66.7%) in leading his team to Monday’s win, including 5-of-11 on 3-pointers (45.5%).

Magic rookie Paolo Banchero, drafted at No. 1 overall in 2022, had 30 points (50.0% FG and 3-pointers) and 6 rebounds while easily outdueling Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr., who was taken two picks later. Smith’s slow start to his NBA career continued with just 3 points in 22 minutes on 1-of-4 shooting (25.0%), all from 3-point range.

But beyond Smith, Houston’s prospects showed up in a big way. Second-year center Alperen Sengun had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while third-year forward KJ Martin added 21 points in 26 reserve minutes on 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%) and 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

Rookie forward Tari Eason added 8 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes, including 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%). Eason also made several key defensive plays when isolated against Banchero.

Houston had key veteran contributions, as well, led by Eric Gordon — who scored 19 points on 5-of-7 from 3-point range (71.4%).

As a team, the Rockets connected on 24-of-48 from 3-point range (50.0%), and they reaped the benefits from strong ball movement. Houston had a season-high 31 assists as a team, led by 11 from Kevin Porter Jr., 5 by Martin, and 4 apiece from Sengun and Gordon. Porter also, however, had a team-high 7 turnovers, including several in the fourth quarter as Orlando tried to rally in the final minutes.

The young guns showed out tonight in the Rocket’s first road win of the game pic.twitter.com/smXECVSCRg

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) November 8, 2022

Orlando’s second-year backcourt of Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, each drafted in the 2021 first round, played well in defeat. Wagner had 23 points (75% FG and 3-pointers) and 7 rebounds, while Suggs added 11 points (62.5% FG) and 6 assists. Both played 33 minutes.

Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews from Orlando. Next up for Houston as the road trip continues is Wednesday night in Toronto, with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m. Central.