Houston Rockets rookie ahead Jabari Smith Jr. has had an up-and-down rookie season to date. Nonetheless, Smith captured NBA followers’ consideration on Wednesday evening after he threw down a nasty fastbreak poster dunk over fellow rookie Keegan Murray.
The dunk befell late within the third quarter of the Rockets’ sport in opposition to the Sacramento Kings and prompted a powerful response from the in-game commentator.
“That’s rookie-on-rookie crime!” the commentator stated.
You’ll be able to watch a clip of the dunk under:
“That’s rookie on rookie crime!”Jabari Smith Jr. dunks on Keegan Murray 😳🎥 @NBA https://t.co/iAAZGKyJQj
Regardless of Smith’s thrilling dunk, the Rockets went on to get blown out, shedding 135-115. Sacramento was led by All-Star massive man Domantas Sabonis, who completed with 25 factors, 14 rebounds and 9 assists on 75.0% capturing.
In the meantime, Houston was led by sophomore capturing guard Jalen Inexperienced, who completed with 26 factors, 5 rebounds and three assists.
As for the battle of the rookies, Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 choose, completed with eight factors and 9 rebounds on 37.5% capturing. In the meantime, Keegan Murray, the No. 4 choose, completed with 16 factors, six rebounds and 4 made 3-pointers on 35.7% capturing.
General, regardless of getting posterized by Smith, Murray ended up ending with the general edge by way of particular person and staff efficiency.
With the win, Sacramento improved to 22-18 and fourth within the Western Convention. In the meantime, Houston dropped to 10-31 as they proceed to take a seat on the backside of the West.
Jabari Smith Jr. and Keegan Murray’s rookie seasons thus far
Each Jabari Smith Jr. and Keegan Murray have struggled with inconsistency thus far of their rookie seasons.
Smith has proven indicators of being a productive athletic two-way ahead. He has additionally been among the best rebounders amongst rookies, rating second at 7.1 rebounds per sport.
Nonetheless, he has struggled big-time with effectivity and is capturing simply 38.3% and 31.3% from past the arc. Smith’s capturing struggles are an enormous motive he’s solely averaging 11.7 factors per sport to date.
Murray, alternatively, stays one of the best 3-point shooter amongst rookies, regardless of his inconsistencies. He has made 2.4 3-pointers per sport whereas capturing 40.8% from deep. Each of these numbers rank first amongst rookies.
Nonetheless, his total manufacturing has been restricted whereas enjoying on a aggressive Kings staff. That is evidenced by Murray’s averages of simply 11.8 factors and three.8 rebounds per sport on 43.4% capturing.
Curiously, each Jabari Smith Jr. and Keegan Murray sit nicely outdoors the highest two within the Rookie of the 12 months race. Orlando Magic ahead Paolo Banchero and Indiana Pacers capturing guard Bennedict Mathurin have dominated the ROTY dialogue thus far.
Nonetheless, Murray and Smith stay a part of the group of gamers battling for third place.
Additionally learn: Kia NBA ROTY Race: Newest ROTY ladder and energy rankings feat. Walker Kessler, Paolo Banchero, and extra | Jan. 11, 2022-23 NBA Season