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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

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

Jalen Green Rockets Alperen Sengun Magic Rocket Houston (Organization) Orlando Tari Eason Jabari Smith Jr Jackson Gatlin

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

Both the Magic and Rockets are 2-9.

Green connected on 12-of-18 shots (66.7%), including 5-of-11 on 3-pointers (45.5%).

Magic rookie Paolo Banchero, drafted at No. 1 in 2022, had 30 points (50% 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. He had just 3 points in 22 minutes on 1-of-4 shooting (25%), all from 3-point range.

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.

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.

Highlights

Analysis and Interviews

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