Rockets vs. Jazz Takeaways: Jae'Sean Tate Returns, Markkanen's Career Night, Jabari Smith Jr.'s Minutes

Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 49 points to help the Jazz send the Houston Rockets to their sixth consecutive loss.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (10-29) dropped their sixth consecutive game in a 131-114 loss to the Utah Jazz (20-21) inside the Toyota Center. Here are three takeaways as the Rockets finished their regular-season series with a 1-3 record against the Jazz.

Jae'Sean Tate returns after a 35-game absence:

Jae'Sean Tate returned to the lineup Thursday night after missing 35 games due to an ankle injury he sustained during preseason.

"It was great — he helps so much," coach Stephen Silas said. "He played well tonight. He was rusty, but his energy was great for our group."

Tate recorded 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting, two assists, two rebounds and a pair of steals in his first game since Oct. 30. His lone 3-point field goal with 2 minutes and 21 seconds left in the third quarter gave the Rockets a quick 86-85 lead. 

His presence brought a new dynamic to the court. But as a versatile player, Tate's return disrupted Silas' rotation. 

He was the first player to come off the bench instead of K.J. Martin. And as a reliable facilitator with the ball in his hands, Tate's return led to rookie point guard TyTy Washington Jr. recording his first DNP-coach's decision since Dec. 21.

Tate also disrupted Silas' three-center rotation with Bruno Fernando receiving a DNP. 

"It was just good to put on that jersey," Tate said. "The type of player I am, I can play positionless basketball. Whatever coach Silas and the coaching staff are asking me to do, I feel like I put the work in to be put in any situation. 

"Whether it was the frontcourt or the backcourt, I was just happy to be back out there."

Lauri Markkanen's career night:

Add Lauri Markkanen's name to the list of players who have scored 40 or more points against the Rockets this season. He became the seventh player, third in the Rockets' previous 12 games. 

Markkanen scored a career-best 49 points on 15-of-27 shooting, 6-of-15 from behind the arc. But most of Markkanen's scoring came at the foul-line, where he shot 13-of-13 from the charity stripe.

"It wasn't like he was in a blitzing situation," Silas said. "He was coming off catch and shoots, which is hard to blitz. Or, he was getting his catch and shoots as a result of drive and kicks.

"The free-throws are always the biggest part. When a guy has a bunch of points, it's your ability to be disciplined and not foul him and put him on the line 13 times."

Markkanen scored 18 points during the first quarter. His career-high marked the most points any Jazz player has scored in the regular season since Karl Malone in 1990. 

Jabari Smith Jr.'s lack of playing time:

Jabari Smith Jr. had a forgettable night. He struggled on both ends, but the rookie prospect from Auburn had a rough time trying to stay out of foul trouble. 

He picked up four quick fouls between the second and third quarters, which limited him to 20 minutes. He came into the night averaging 30.0 minutes.

After the game, Silas credited Smith's dreadful night to the struggles a young player faces when playing the second night of a back-to-back. 

"He got into foul trouble," Silas said. "It is hard for younger guys to play back-to-backs. He did not seem to be in rhythm, but he will be back."

Best performance:

Alperen Sengun did not lead the team in scoring (Jalen Green, 30), but he was Houston's best player. Sengun recorded his 20th career double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. 

When the Rockets ran their offense through their second-year big man, Houston appeared nearly flawless on the offensive end with limited turnovers and constant ball movement.

Worst performance:

Jabari Smith Jr.'s worst game of the season is by far his play against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 7. But his output against the Jazz could be a close second. 

As mentioned above, foul trouble prevented Smith from having his usual impact. But overall, it was not a good night. Smith scored three points on 1-of-5 shooting and pulled down five rebounds. 

Final Words:

"It's been a long time since I've been out there with my team. I am thankful to coach Silas for putting me out there that early. Hopefully, we can build on it." — Jae'Sean Tate

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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