When the Rockets fell to 0-2 on Oct. 27 after a late collapse in the fourth quarter and overtime at San Antonio, Jabari Smith Jr. immediately took responsibility in Houston’s locker room.
The second-year forward missed two free throws and an open 3-pointer in the final minute that could have iced the game, and he was outplayed down the stretch by Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
In subsequent comments, Smith — the No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2022 first round — acknowledged that he “shut down” in that moment. He then vowed to not let it happen again.
To his credit, it hasn’t happened since. The Rockets are 8-4 in 12 games since then, and Smith’s superior efficiency is a big reason.
In those dozen outings, Smith is averaging 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 29.3 minutes, shooting 53.7% overall and 42.6% on 3-pointers. In his first two games, Smith had averaged just 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds on 32.0% shooting and 16.7% from 3-point range.
“When I’m open, that might be the best shot we get that possession,” Smith said upon being asked if he was being more aggressive in looking for shots. “It kind of hurts the team when I turn down an open look. So, it’s just about always being ready to shoot, and knowing that I’m a shooter. Shots are going to come, and just trust it.”
Friday’s win was Houston’s second victory over Denver as part of its current eight-game home winning streak at Toyota Center. Smith’s shooting has played a key role in that, as has his defense. In recent games, Rockets coach Ime Udoka has opted to use his 6-foot-11 prospect as both a power forward (Smith’s position in the starting lineup) and, at times, as a lightweight, agile center with reserve units.
Smith and the Rockets will look to build on that momentum when they visit Dallas (10-5, 1-2) on Tuesday night. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. Central, and Houston (8-6, 2-1) can secure first place in its in-season tournament group and advance to the quarterfinals with a victory.
Jabari Smith Jr. says he feels like he “shut down” late in San Antonio, and he knows it can’t happen again.
“Me being a starter, me being a focal point, I can’t have shutdowns like that. Have to take it on the chin, learn from it, and I know it can’t happen again.” #Rockets pic.twitter.com/9MZLFv3kpD
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 29, 2023
