Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Shooting Slump Continues: 'He'll Bounce Back'
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SAN ANTONIO — Jabari Smith Jr. was adamant about closing his rookie campaign on a strong note post-All-Star break. But following the Houston Rockets' 14-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night, Smith has not come close to reaching his goal.
He finished the game with four points on 2-for-7 shooting while missing his lone two attempts from behind the arc. And since the Rockets returned from the break, Smith has averaged 8.5 points on 29.5 percent shooting, 0.63 percent from behind the arc.
Coach Stephen Silas compared Smith's struggles to a batter in baseball, where all it takes is one hit for a player to regain their swing.
He has spoken with Smith on several occasions in hopes of helping him break free of his slump. And a game against the San Antonio Spurs inside the AT&T Center Saturday night could not come at a better time.
"It's just one of those things where he needs to see the ball go through the hoop a couple of times," Silas said. "Whether it's a layup, getting to the free-throw line or making a three. Hopefully, those are the things that can help him move forward."
Smith notched a then-career-high 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting, 4-for-7 from behind the arc, the last time the Rockets traveled to San Antonio in December. A nine-point loss spoiled Smith's night, but it remains one of his most impressive games of the season.
Silas said Smith was aggressive, teammates were looking for him and his floor spacing was good. But Smith's confidence in his shot stood out to Silas the most when reviewing film from the game. He said Smith was "very confident" in his shooting at that point in the season.
Silas wants Smith to replicate the self-confidence he displayed against the Spurs on Dec. 8. He has tried to alleviate the pressure Smith places on himself as a perfectionist, which Silas described as a hard trait to maintain in the league.
"It is hard to be a perfectionist in the NBA," Silas said. "You have to have a short memory. He is going through it right now, but I am sure he will bounce back. He is a really good worker. He is super conscientious when it comes to his game. And then, this is a rookie thing, so he will bounce back."
Shooting was one of Smith's top attributes when the Rockets drafted the Auburn prospect with the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft in June. He averaged 16.9 points on 42.9 percent shooting, 42.0 percent from behind the arc in his lone collegiate season.
Smith has expressed his desire to finish his rookie year on a positive note. But at some point, ahead of his second season, Smith's goal is to replicate the shooting that made him a highly-sought-after prospect coming into the draft.
"It's all about consistency, shooting the same shot every time," Smith said. "It's about playing hard, focusing on the right things and making some shots."
Smith has eclipsed his career high twice since his 23-point performance against the Spurs.
He scored 24 points (10-17 FG, 3-8 3PT) in a loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 23. Smith notched a career-high 27 points (11-20 FG, 2-7 3PT) in a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 13.
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