On a third game in three cities in four nights — and a second of two cities in two nights — the young and road-weary Houston Rockets were no match Saturday for the veteran-laden Milwaukee Bucks.
Led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (44 points, 12 rebounds, 81.0% FG), the Bucks (2-0) were rested and took care of business in a 125-105 victory over the Rockets (box score).
Jalen Green led the Rockets (0-3) with 22 points in 32 minutes. He shot just 6-of-19 from the field (31.6%), though he did make 4-of-7 from 3-point range (57.1%). Other players in double figures were:
- Kevin Porter Jr.: 18 points (33.3% FG, 50% on 3-pointers), 7 assists, 5 rebounds in 34 minutes
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points (33.3% FG, 42.9% on 3-pointers), 11 rebounds, 2 blocks in 28 minutes
- KJ Martin: 14 points (54.5% FG, 40% on 3-pointers), 5 rebounds in 30 minutes
- Tari Eason: 11 points (44.4% FG, 75% on 3-pointers), 2 blocks in 19 minutes
Jae’Sean Tate (left ankle soreness) and TyTy Washington (left knee sprain) remained out for the Rockets, and Eric Gordon (rest) and Bruno Fernando (left knee soreness) joined them on the sidelines. Both Gordon and Fernando played in Friday’s front end of the back-to-back, a competitive home loss to the Grizzlies in Houston.
Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interviews. The Rockets return to action Monday at home for the first of two straight games versus Utah (2-0), with the tip set for 7 p.m. Central.
Highlights
Analysis and Interviews
Ooooh, this is interesting. I respect the logic, though. If you believe in the sixth-man role being optimal for Sengun, whether Bruno Fernando is healthy shouldn't affect your larger plan https://t.co/Did1HFQO7v
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 22, 2022
Jalen Green dancing on Jrue Holiday then drilling the three-pointer! pic.twitter.com/fFDwWHJW6R
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 23, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. pull-up three right in front of Giannis!
JOIN: https://t.co/g2OAmSXErn pic.twitter.com/rgSGuRn2pC
— RocketsWatch (@RocketsWatch) October 23, 2022
Garuba and Jalen stop Giannis and turn it into a lob for KJ Martin!
JOIN: https://t.co/g2OAmTfNFv pic.twitter.com/p66kYkM8NF
— RocketsWatch (@RocketsWatch) October 23, 2022
Thoughts on first 3 games #Rockets season:
-Facing Trae, Ja, & Giannis out the gate is a tough task for a young team
-Usman showed me something tonight
-KPJ & JG4 can be staggered but only in the first half
-Keeping their confidence up will help them get over the rough start— ClutchCity (@JordanVsDream) October 23, 2022
I am definitely not in that "Giannis isn't skilled" group. Man is killing us tonight in every way imaginable. Transition buckets, post moves, pull-up jumpers, threes. Doing it all
— Jason Williams (@AstroRocket) October 23, 2022
Garuba doing Garuba things pic.twitter.com/Z75qDP52aI
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) October 23, 2022
Usman Garuba out here competing at a very high level, making things happen on both ends and giving the #Rockets life.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 23, 2022
Usman Garuba has decent form from 3 just needs to stay healthy and get more time to develop a consistent shot from deep pic.twitter.com/NIRDna7QR5
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) October 23, 2022
I really didn’t expect the Rockets to have a lot left in the tank after playing against the Grizzlies last night. #Sarge
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) October 23, 2022
If you drive too deep on the Bucks, the length will block out the sky and most shots. Rockets keep trying them. Bucks up to 10 blocked shots.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 23, 2022
Stephen Silas was speaking of his team's fortitude before the game. https://t.co/e3Dppcd9wQ This has been a mismatch from the opening tip, they have shown some grit, cutting the Bucks lead to 14 in the fourth.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) October 23, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. says he looks at where Giannis was entering the league and he wants to work harder "just knowing that one day my body could look like his. Just keep working in the weight room, keep getting stronger, because you see how much of an advantage it is."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 23, 2022
#Rockets Usman Garuba got the start against Giannis and the Bucks tonight@Usmangaruba 6 PTS / 8 REB / 4 STL / 2 AST@HoustonRockets #LightTheFuse pic.twitter.com/bJjIBX5s8J
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) October 23, 2022
