Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr. Heating Up as Season Winds Down

After a lackluster start to his career, Jabari Smith Jr. is ending his season on a high-note, headlined by a game-winner versus the Pelicans on Friday night.

After a lackluster start to his career, Jabari Smith Jr. is ending his season on a high-note, headlined by a game-winner versus the Pelicans on Friday night.

With 4.0 seconds on the clock, caught the inbound at midcourt, took two long dribbles and heaved a prayer down 112-111. The shot was true, and Houston cemented their third-straight win. Their last two wins have come over the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

But it’s been much more than just one shot that’s made Smith’s end to the season so promising.

In the four games prior to the matchup with New Orleans, Smith averaged 23.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 54 percent overall and 52 percent from three on 5.8 attempts per game.

The still-19-year-old has looked noticeably more confident, and the Houston offense has gelled much better in their recent stretch.

On the season, he's now averaging 12.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.9 blocks.

While a hotter start to his debut year would’ve helped, Smith has plenty of time to perfect his craft. With a solid shooting stroke and instincts on the defensive end of the court, he’s still a high-floor player Houston can bank on going forward.

Now, the Rockets look to the 2023 NBA Draft to continue adding to their growing list of talent.

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