'I Always Play Hard!’ Houston Rockets' Tari Eason Continues Dominance vs. Grizzlies: Notebook
HOUSTON — Jaren Jackson Jr. erupted for 44 points Wednesday night inside the Toyota Center, but the Houston Rockets prevailed en route to a 117-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Tari Eason is still battling the effects of an upper respiratory infection, but for the second consecutive game, the second-year forward had a career night. He came off the bench and scored a career-best 25 points on 10 of 16 shooting, 14 rebounds, one block and a steal.
"I always play hard," Eason said. "When you play hard, all the extra stuff comes. I wouldn't say I am doing anything outside of myself."
Eason's performance against the Grizzlies was another testament to the obstacles he had to overcome since the start of his sophomore season.
A "stress reaction" in his left leg led to Eason missing the first six games. The Rockets went 3-3 during his absence. Over the previous two games, an illness has made his status questionable. Eason has since averaged 21.5 points and 14 rebounds.
Eason has played a significant role in Houston's success. If not for Eason, the Rockets may have lost their first home game since Oct. 29.
Eason led a Rockets' bench unit that scored a season-high 58 points, which saved Houston from the lackluster play of its starting five. Jabari Smith Jr. was the lone starter who gave a good performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
"He is just showing what we already know he can do," Jabari Smith Jr. said. "The energy he brings is contagious. He plays hard, no matter what. Sickness, he's been hurt and came back playing hard. That is just how he is."
Rockets forward Tari Eason grabs a rebound against Memphis Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo in the second half at Toyota Center.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The fourth quarter benching of Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün:
The Rockets had to depend on their sophomore class and veterans to help them avoid a disappointing loss to the Grizzlies, but Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün were non-factors. They scored a combined 17 points on 4 of 21 shooting. Each player did not play up to their normal standards.
Coach Ime Udoka noticed their respective offensive struggles led to low energy and subpar play on both ends. Green's and Şengün's subpar production led to Udoka's decision to bench the third-year duo after the Rockets gave up a 19-point lead entering the fourth quarter (82-81).
"[It's about] not letting a tough offensive night affect your whole game," Udoka said. "That's with anyone across the board. It wasn't just him [Green], but you saw it on Alpi's face. There was frustration and missed shots, and then it bled over to the defensive end.
"You can impact the game in many ways, and with three minutes left in the third quarter, we were not playing well. In another quarter, I said, 'We have this. Wake up and start to play.' And I think the group that was in there to start the fourth did not."
Şengün's play against the Grizzlies marked the first time Udoka benched him for a lousy effort. However, Udoka has benched Green on a handful of occasions.
In their previous game against the San Antonio Spurs, Udoka sat Green the entire final period Monday night. He has averaged 7.5 points on a horrific 5.5 percent shooting from the field.
Home cooking:
The Rockets picked up their 11th consecutive home victory by defeating the short-handed Grizzlies. Houston is now 11-1 inside the Toyota Center, establishing the second-best home record behind the Boston Celtics — who are 11-0 at TD Garden.
The Rockets will begin a three-game road trip Friday night in Memphis. They are 1-8 in games played away from their home court.
