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

Takeaways: Jabari Smith Jr. scores 17 in NBA debut as Hawks edge Rockets

Top rookie Jabari Smith Jr. (17 points, 7 rebounds) showed promising signs in his NBA debut, but the Houston Rockets were cold from the perimeter in Wednesday’s 117-107 loss (box score) at Atlanta. It was the season opener for both teams.

Trae Young (23 points, 13 assists) and Dejounte Murray (20 points, 11 assists) led the Hawks at State Farm Arena.

Atlanta won 23 more games than Houston last season, but the young Rockets were competitive throughout Wednesday night and pulled within a possession multiple times during the fourth quarter. However, ill-timed turnovers (Rockets 15, Hawks 9) and poor 3-point shooting kept Houston from getting over the top.

The Rockets hit 9-of-35 from 3-point range as a team (25.7%). Jalen Green (1-of-7, 14.3%), Eric Gordon (1-of-4, 25.0%) and Smith (3-of-11, 27.3%) were among those who slumped.

Key statistics for Rockets players who went at least 15 minutes are:

  • Kevin Porter Jr.: 34 minutes, 21 points (47.4% FG, 60% on 3-pointers), 7 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 turnovers
  • Jalen Green: 32 minutes, 16 points (35% FG, 14.3% on 3-pointers), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers
  • Alperen Sengun: 22 minutes, 15 points (55.6% FG, 50% on 3-pointers), 9 rebounds, 6 turnovers
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 33 minutes, 17 points (35.3% FG, 27.3% on 3-pointers), 7 rebounds
  • Eric Gordon: 29 minutes, 11 points (44.4% FG, 25% on 3-pointers), 4 assists
  • Bruno Fernando: 25 minutes, 7 points (100% FG), 9 rebounds, 7 assists
  • Tari Eason: 15 minutes, 8 points (66.7% FG), 7 rebounds
  • KJ Martin: 23 minutes, 6 points (14.3% FG), 5 rebounds, 4 fouls

Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews. The Rockets return to action Friday for their home opener at Toyota Center versus Memphis, with the tip set for 7 p.m. Central.

Highlights

Analysis and Interviews

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