Energy and Trust Led to Best Career Month for Rockets Jabari Smith Jr.
HOUSTON — One wrong step marked a bitter end to December for Jabari Smith Jr. During the Houston Rockets loss to the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 27, Smith's night came to an early end after he stepped on Tari Eason's foot.
He sustained a left ankle sprain and missed the following game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The injury was frustrating for Smith. Not only did he miss the chance to help his team add to their win column, but the ankle injury caused an abrupt end to Smith's best career stretch since joining the Rockets as the No. 3 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.
He played a vital role in helping the Rockets win seven games during December, establishing himself as Houston's second-most impactful player — trailing behind Alperen Şengün.
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. reacts after making a basket during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"My energy level was up," Smith said. "I was very sure. I wasn't second-guessing myself. My confidence was through the roof. My teammates trusted me. I would say December was my best month."
Smith illustrated the potential to develop into one of the league's best two-way players. He had an efficient scoring month, averaging 14.0 points on 47.7 percent shooting from the field.
He scored a career-best 34 points in a losing effort against the Atlanta Hawks. And due to receiving additional help from his father, Jabari Smith Sr., his teachings helped Smith shoot 8 of 14 from the field, 4 of 7 from behind the arc. He also shot 14 of 14 from the foul line.
However, the career night led to back-to-back performances of Smith scoring 20 or more points. The Rockets went 2-1 during Smith's best offensive period, averaging 27.0 points on .634/.600/.909 shooting splits.
Smith was on an offensive tear, but his most significant impact came on the defensive end.
He logged seven games of recording double-digit rebounds. In a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Smith pulled down a career-best 18 boards, making a statement against his draft mate Chet Holmgren. Smith's defense also helped the Rockets hold Holmgren to four points on 2 of 9 shooting.
"He had an aggressive mindset with defending and rebounding," coach Ime Udoka said. "He took the challenge on the defensive end. But he added to his game, not just relying on his jump shot. But he was posting up more and getting to his mid-range spots and attacking the basket.
"But his rebounding really stood out. That is something we challenged him with, and he took pride in that. The way he has crashed the glass, it's been beneficial for us and him."
After missing one game due to the ankle injury, Smith returned ahead of the Rockets' blowout victory over the Detroit Pistons. Smith hasn't displayed the same scoring efficiency in the first two games in January. He is averaging 8.0 points but has maintained his rebounding by averaging 9.0 boards.
It will take some time for Smith to re-establish his momentum. But while working, Smith said his energy and trust level within the team have remained the same.
"It's all about keeping the energy consistent," Smith said. "If I am playing hard and my energy is through the roof, everything else will take care of itself. The rebounds will be there. The shots will be there. It's all about my energy being the same. When the energy goes away, that's when the bad games come in."
