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Jabari Smith Jr., Walker Kessler make history during first week in NBA

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson10/25/22_JHokanson
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(Photo by Getty Images)

Jabari Smith Jr. accomplished something on Monday night that only two other teenagers in the history of the NBA have ever accomplished.

The rookie from Auburn scored 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds, blocked three shots and made three three-pointers in the Houston Rockets 114-108 win over the Utah Jazz.

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Smith Jr. scored his 21 points on just 10 shots, making six, and going 6-for-6 from the free throw line.

It was Smith Jr.’s fourth career NBA game.

And Smith Jr.’s accomplishments come days after former Auburn teammate and fellow rookie Walker Kessler became the first NBA player in history to record a double-double and shoot 100 percent from the floor in their rookie debut.

Kessler scored 12 points and added 10 rebounds in his first game for the Jazz against the Denver Nuggets. Two nights later, Kessler followed that performance up with six points, five rebounds and four blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kessler was the first rookie to block four shots in a game since Rudy Gobert in 2014.

Relive some of Smith Jr. and Kessler’s impressive moments in the videos below.