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Jalen Green delivers in matchup with Evan Mobley, Cavaliers, but Rockets lack help

Ben DuBose
·5 min read
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Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets lost the war in Sunday’s 108-91 road loss (box score) to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the No. 2 overall pick from the 2021 NBA draft may have won a battle.

In a matchup with Evan Mobley, who was selected right after Green at No. 3 in the 2021 first round, Green was outstanding with 30 points and 4 assists on 10-of-17 shooting (58.8%), including 5-of-11 on 3-pointers (45.5%). Mobley certainly held his own with 19 points (66.7% FG), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks, but Houston’s 21-year-old certainly did enough to make his higher selection defensible.

Ultimately, as has been the case for the 2022-23 season as a whole, the difference in the result was largely based on the supporting cast for each second-year prospect. Big man Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers (48-28) with 24 points (72.7% FG) and 14 rebounds, while All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell added 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting (50.0%), including 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%).

Other than Green, it was a struggle for Houston (18-57), as is often been the case. Backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. struggled in his return to Cleveland, scoring just 6 points on 3-of-12 shooting (25.0%). Alperen Sengun had 14 points (50.0% FG) and 8 rebounds.

Outside of Green’s five 3-pointers, the rest of the Rockets shot just 1-of-14 (7.1%) from beyond the arc, combined.

Next up for Houston, as its tough road trip continues versus probable 2023 playoff teams, is Monday’s game at New York. In what will be the team’s final back-to-back of the 2022-23 season, tipoff against the Knicks is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central. Until then, here’s a look at highlights, postgame interviews, and reaction by Houston fans and media members after Sunday’s loss in Cleveland.

Highlights

Analysis and Interviews

 

Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire