Rockets Fend-Off Magic, 134-127, for Season’s Second Win
Three Line’s the Charm. Super Young Super-Trio. The Mart’s Still Open.
After leading by a dozen points after the first three frames, the Rockets staved off an almost-magical Orlando rally, beating the Magic, 134-127, on Monday night at Amway Center. The victory his Houston’s first road win all of the season, and second overall, as the squad climbs to 2-9 in the standings. The Rockets were on fire from three-point land. Houston connected on 24 of their 48 shots from deep, for an impressive 50%. Orlando didn’t struggle from beyond the arc, they shot 48%, but attempted only less than half from long range, compared to the Rockets.
Paolo Banchero, the first overall pick in this past year’s draft, showed the Rockets an impressive display as he continues to exceed the hype. If there was one negative outcome to take from this game from Houston’s side, it’s that the Magic were able to draft Banchero before the Rockets. In his first 11 games, Banchero is putting up historic numbers, He started his career with five consecutive 30-point games, and had another one against Houston on Monday night. Banchero finished with 30 points on 50% shooting, to go along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. But his efforts weren’t enough, as the Rockets had their own superstar in the making finally snap out of his slump.
Houston’s Jalen Green had been struggling mightily with his shot over the past few games. That changed Monday night. Green out-dueled Banchero in the battle of rising stars in this league, finishing with 34 points on a phenomenal 12-for-18 shooting performance. One only hopes this is the beginning of Green’s more efficient play, for it’s the key to him having a true breakout-season. As rookie Jabari Smith Jr. continues to adjust to the physicality and pace of the NBA game compared to college basketball, the Rockets might have found their own “Big’Three”, in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
A very young super-trio indeed. If Houston can manage to keep this core intact, the future’s bright for the Rockets. Green’s off to a fantastic sophomore season, but KPJ’s poise and control on the court has been a marvel to witness. During Monday night’s win, Porter Jr. finished with 17 points on 50% shooting. Scoot also registered 11 dimes and grabbed 8 boards, second-most behind Sengun. We’re still early in the season, but KPJ looks like he’s in control of his tricks more than ever before. From his decision-making, shooting, passing, and court awareness… his improvement so far has been night-and-day compared to last year. And then there’s Alperen Sengun, who’s more than earned his spot as Houston’s starting center. If Stephen Silas continues to bring him off the bench once Bruno Fernando returns from injury, the coach will officially be on the hot seat. In Orlando, Sengun posted another double-double, with 20 points and 10 boards. The big man also had dished out 4 assists, and had 2 steals and 1 block for good measure.
Very quietly, K.J. Martin, is having a very solid start to the season. Martin will be a free agent in the offseason, and he’s already voiced his displeasure about Silas’ rotations and coaching style to a VERY CLOSE source. Besides Eric Gordon’s 19 points, KJ was another young gun who had a solid game for Houston in their win over the Magic. Martin compiled 21 points on an insanely efficient 8-for-14 from the floor. KJ even drained four of his eight three-point shots, and had 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 more phenomenal blocks. If you’ve been watching Martin, they usually come on a nightly basis. If KJ’s not the best shot blocker under 6’8 in the NBA, he’s near the top of the list. Over his last four games, which began on Halloween, Martin is averaging 21.0 points a games, and integrating himself more off both ends of the floor. Hopefully, he’ll see more playing time, because when he’s on the court, the Rockets performance is elevated… literally. Up next, Houston will try and upset a tough Raptors team, as they fly to Canada to battle Toronto on Wednesday night.