Houston Rockets second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. never looks to be afraid of any big moment. He thrives off pressure, which fuels him to become a better player.
In March 2023, in a game late in the NBA’s 2022-23 regular season against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Rockets were down by one point with four seconds left on the clock.
As teammate Jae’Sean Tate looked at his first and second options, which were Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., both were guarded. Tate had to go to the third option on the play, which was Smith.
As time ticked off the clock, Smith rose above his defender and nailed the 3-point basket, giving Houston the victory. During his post-game press conference, Smith said he felt like he was playing a video game the way things transpired towards the end of the game.
The results on Friday night in Las Vegas were the same, although the circumstances were slightly different than in March.
In the summer-league opener, Houston trailed the Portland Trail Blazers, 99-97, with 0.6 seconds left in the game. Second-year forward Tari Eason took the ball out on the sideline beyond halfcourt and was looking for the only option on the play, which was Smith.
With an overhead pass, Eason put the ball in a spot where only Smith could catch it. He did, and Smith knocked down a game-winning shot to give the Rockets a 100-99 victory at summer league.
Smith finished with a game-high 33 points, scoring 29 in the second half after a rough start to the game in which he went 1-for-6 from the field and scored only four points in the first half.
Houston will be back in action on Sunday as they take on Detorit at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. Central, and it will be televised on ESPN2.
For now, here’s a look back at Friday’s heroics.
Jabari Smith Jr. reaction
JABARI SMITH JR. WITH THE WILD TRIPLE FOR THE ROCKETS WIN!
WHAT A WAY TO OPEN #NBA2KSummerLeague! pic.twitter.com/qYhOWcLbvN
— NBA (@NBA) July 8, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. dapping up KJ Martin after the game winner: https://t.co/uRapGl59Gp pic.twitter.com/65UVPM374L
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) July 8, 2023
Cam Whitmore on Jabari Smith Jr.'s game-winner:
"He was too hot second half. Great player, got his rhythm back." pic.twitter.com/B3JKzz1dKb
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 8, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. scored 29 points in the 2nd half tonight:
33 PTS
7 REB
2 AST8/18 FG
14/17 FT !!!!!!!!
3/7 3PT (game winner!)Thoughts on his game? pic.twitter.com/EXb7PSlKTi
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) July 8, 2023
Ultimately Summer League doesn't matter, but you want to see your second year guys who played big minutes as rookies set themselves apart from everyone else on the floor, and I think Jabari Smith Jr and Tari Eason have done that tonight
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) July 8, 2023
OK, Rockets-Blazers might be the new No. 1 after Jabari Smith Jr.'s logo 3 at the buzzer to win it starting with 0.5 seconds left on the clock. https://t.co/tQnfbgAG6L
— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) July 8, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr asserting himself as the best player on the floor in the third quarter of this game has been an important development
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) July 8, 2023
I'm so happy for Jabari Smith man.
— Draft Deeper (@DraftDeeper) July 8, 2023
Rockets win!!! And I couldn't care less it was a summer league game lmao
Amen Thompson looked incredible on both ends of the court, recording 7 Steals + blocks. Jabari Smith hit the greatest shot in summer league history and dropped 33. Tari was dope with 20 PTS, 4 Blocks
WOW
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) July 8, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr., asked by @Jonathan_Feigen if he’s taller: “I think I grew a little bit.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 8, 2023
Jabari Smith scored 29 of his 33 points in the second half, including this unbelievable three at the BUZZER to win it! @RocketsWatch pic.twitter.com/A5s7d7Rzwq
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) July 8, 2023
Tari Eason and Jabari Smith turning up in the locker room after Smith Jr.’s buzzer-beater:
Eason: “We back up! Price back up!” pic.twitter.com/QhME7AKwiB
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) July 8, 2023
