Friday night represented a step forward for the Houston Rockets in many respects.
Prized rookie Jabari Smith notched a career-high 24 points in his most decisive offensive performance as a professional, and frontcourt partner Alperen u015eengün dazzled with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in just 26 minutes. Yet even as the Rockets' young franchise anchors shined, win No. 10 of the 2022-23 season eluded them in a 112-106 loss. The main culprit for Houston's defeat? Rockets coach Stephen Silas provided a succinct summation postgame.
"Too much Luka."
Dallas's leading man has earned the one-name moniker a la LeBron or Giannis.