With rookie Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) all sitting out for the remainder of the NBA’s 2023 summer league, the expectation entering the final three games for the Houston Rockets was for rookie forward Cam Whitmore to receive a more featured role.
But as things turned out, it was second-year guard Trevor Hudgins who took on much of the increased playmaking burden, and he came through in a big way in Tuesday’s 105-92 win (box score) over Oklahoma City. The Rockets (3-0) remain unbeaten and in contention for the 2023 summer-league playoffs (format) in Las Vegas.
Buy Rockets Tickets
Hudgins, who signed with Houston in the 2022 offseason as an undrafted free agent out of Northwest Missouri State, showed why he remains on a two-way NBA contract by scoring a game-high 26 points on efficient 10-of-20 shooting (50.0%), including five 3-pointers. He also ran the offense well, with 7 assists to just one turnover.
Whitmore had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, making 6-of-14 shots (42.9%) but just 1-of-8 on 3-pointers (12.5%). Rookie forward Matthew Mayer added 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for summer head coach Ben Sullivan (Ime Udoka’s top assistant) on 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%) and 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%).
Rookie wing Keyontae Johnson led the Thunder (1-1) in Tuesday’s loss with 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting (64.3%), while big man KJ Williams had 19 points (61.5% FG) and 13 rebounds.
Read on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and coaches, and reaction by fans and media members to Tuesday’s game. Houston returns to action Thursday versus Golden State, with tipoff at 6:00 p.m. Central and television coverage on ESPN. All five summer-league games are being played in Las Vegas.
Cam kind of reminds me of an Andrew Wiggins type of profile too – physically dominant. If you groom him to be a two-way wing / high-end super-role player, he’ll be way more efficient and impactful.
I’m glad he wont come here with expectations to carry the franchise.
— StanfordKP (@stanfordkp) July 12, 2023
Trevor Hudgins is *cooking*, good lord. He’s been much better on both ends than he was last year.
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) July 12, 2023
Like Cam Whitmore as a cutter a lot. Everything else still needs work but that’s fine.
His next summer league is a whole lot more important than this one.
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) July 11, 2023
Tari Eason said he heard about Amen Thompson, but playing with him live, he’s so impressed with the “fast-twitch things he does” and the passes he makes.
“You can’t see it anywhere but live. When you see it, it’s really special.”
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 11, 2023
It’s night and day how much more composed Whitmore seems in the last two games, relative to the opener. Can tell Ben Sullivan and staff have put in real work
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 11, 2023
Shoutout to Matthew Mayer doing the most with his opportunity. Thursday will be big for him and a shot at that 2 way.
— Brandon H (@iBrand0n300) July 12, 2023
Undefeated teams in Vegas through 5 days: (+/- differential per game)
3-0:
Cavs (+16.7)
Rockets (+8.7)2-0:
Pacers (+15.5)
Lakers (+12.5)
Jazz (+9.0) pic.twitter.com/17GL3OrD3b— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) July 12, 2023
Notable #Rockets statlines tonight:
Hudgins: 26 PTS | 7 AST | 5 3PM | 10/20 FG
Mayer: 19 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 6/11 FG
Samuels Jr: 19 PTS | 2 REB | 4 AST | 5/9 FG
Whitmore: 16 PTS | 8 REB | 3 AST | 3 BLK
3-0 through 3 games! Who stood out to you? pic.twitter.com/cu51UrhCDf
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) July 12, 2023
Trevor Hudgins with a game leading 26 points. Showed some good touch around the rim, 5-15 from 3, not bad. 7 AST vs 1 TO. Could be a fun two-way.
Matthew Mayer looked like MPJ out there. Shot a ton, 6-11 FG, 3-8 3P, 19 Pts. Also had 10 REB and 2 BLK. Very fun watch. Plays smart.
— ⚡️????????????????????????????????????????????????⚡️ (@HotelBasketball) July 12, 2023
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
