Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. ready for test against Kings rookie Keegan Murray
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. has put himself in position for seven rebounds per game during his rookie season.SACRAMENTO, Calif. — If, during Wednesday morning's shootaround, Rockets rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. were at all preoccupied with facing another top-five pick that evening in Kings forward Keegan Murray, he did not show it, instead appearing more concerned with refuting what he deemed blasphemous statements coming from his own sideline.
Of the three players drafted ahead of him, Murray most recently faced No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero when the Kings hosted and beat the Magic on Monday. Chet Holmgren, picked second overall by the Thunder, suffered a season-ending injury before his NBA career began. Smith, the third overall pick who is now the Rockets’ starting power forward, is in Sacramento for two games this week, and Murray said he looked forward to the challenge.
Other than hearing Murray’s name called right after his at the draft, Smith doesn’t have much personal intel on the Kings’ rookie starter. The Kings held Murray out of a Las Vegas Summer League game against the Rockets, so Wednesday marked the first time Smith and Murray were to play each other. With the Rockets staying in Sacramento for a second game, they’ll get an immediate rematch Friday.
Since Dec. 1, 53 players in the NBA have attempted at least 100 3-pointers. None is shooting a higher percentage than Murray, who has made 49.5 percent of 111 attempts in that span.
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