Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. And Tari Eason Fall Short In Jordan Rising Stars Finals

Houston Rockets rookie prospects Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason came up short during the Jordan Rising Stars finals, while Alperen Sengun was eliminated in the first round.

The Houston Rockets had three participants during the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars event in Salt Lake City. Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. played together on Team Joakim [Noah], while Alperen Sengun suited up for Team Deron [Williams] inside Vivint Arena Friday night.

Sengun would have played alongside Jalen Green, who had to withdraw from the event due to a hamstring injury. Chicago Bulls' Ayo Dosunmu replaced Houston's second-year guard.

Team Pau [Gasol] ended Sengun's night prematurely by eliminating Team Deron 40-25. Sengun did not get a chance to have his usual impact. He finished with one rebound and missed two shot attempts in 6 minutes and 43 seconds of play. 

Eason and Smith helped Team Joakim advance to the Jordan Rising Stars championship round after defeating Team Jason [Terry] 40-32. Smith recorded four points and one rebound, while Eason finished with two points, two rebounds and an assist in the win.  

Team Joakim battled back from a six-point deficit in the finals against Team Pau. New York Knicks' Quentin Grimes led Team Joakim on an 8-0 run, where they took an 18-16 lead. 

Team Pau regained the momentum by closing the game on a 9-2 run to take a 25-20 victory. New Orleans Pelicans' Jose Alvarado connected on a game-winning triple. The undrafted second-year prospect won MVP honors after scoring a combined 18 points during the two games.

Grimes finished the game with 14 points. Smith and Eason went scoreless during the finals.

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