Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images
By Joel Reyes
The Houston Rockets returned to the win column on Tuesday (PH time) as they trounced the Utah Jazz 125-105 at Toyota Center. Six players scored double figures for the Rockets, who improved their overall record to 35-21.
Jabari Smith Jr. starred in the home win, leading all scorers with 31 points. He shot 12-for-17 from the field and 6-for-11 from the free-throw line. Smith, who grabbed nine rebounds, was also a menace on the defensive end. He recorded three steals and three blocks in 33 minutes of action.
The Rockets got off to a fast start, building a 38-22 lead after the first quarter. They never looked back after that as they cruised to their 19th home win of the season.
Lauri Markkanen scored a team-high 29 points for the Jazz, who fell to 18-40 after the heavy road loss. Ace Bailey struggled mightily on the offensive end, finishing with just four points on 2-for-9 shooting.