Takeaways: Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. extend double-double runs as Rockets end summer league

The Rockets (2-3) wrapped up 2022 NBA summer league play in Las Vegas with Saturday night’s 92-81 loss (box score) to the Sacramento Kings (3-2). Tari Eason, the No. 17 overall pick in the first round out of LSU, led the way for Houston with 19 points and 10 rebounds, including 7-of-14 shooting (50.0%) and 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

For Eason, it was his fourth outing in five summer league games to record a double double. Top rookie Jabari Smith Jr. added a double double of his own with 12 points and 12 rebounds, though he shot just 4-of-15 from the field (26.7%) and 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25.0%).

Rockets backcourt mates TyTy Washington (15 points, 4 assists) and Daishen Nix (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals) had very similar statistics lines, with each shooting 6-of-14 from the field (42.9%). Second-year guard Josh Christopher, who was Houston’s top summer scorer on a per-game basis, remained sidelined by right hip soreness.

The Kings were led by Jeriah Horne, who scored 20 points off the bench on 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%) and 2-of-4 from 3-point range (50.0%).

Here’s a look at Saturday’s highlights and immediate reaction by Rockets players, coaches, media members, and fans.