In a nationally televised showdown involving the top two overall picks from the 2021 NBA draft, it was Detroit’s Jerami Grant who stole the show as the Pistons won at Houston on Wednesday night, 112-104 (recap). Grant’s season-high 35 points sent the Rockets (1-10) to a ninth straight defeat while giving the Pistons (2-8) their second win of the season.
Nonetheless, prized rookies Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green each made a very positive impression. Green led the Rockets with 23 points in 38 minutes, including a memorable dunk after blowing past Cunningham. Meanwhile, Detroit’s No. 1 pick scored 20 points and made 4-of-8 shots (50.0%) from 3-point range, which helped lift his team to the win.
While the two rookies did face each other during 2021 NBA summer league action, this was their first regular-season game versus one another — and the intensity certainly felt like something that could develop into a legit rivalry as the years progress. Here’s a look at highlights of Wednesday’s duel; a sampling of the real-time reaction by fans, media, and players; and details on a looming rematch next month.
