Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Finding His Shooting Touch With Less Thinking
When Jabari Smith Jr. connected on a corner 3-point field goal attempt inside AT&T Center Saturday night, he ran down the floor in celebration. His basket against the San Antonio Spurs was the first 3-pointer Smith made since Feb. 24 against the Golden State Warriors.
"When he made the corner 3, he was excited to see the ball go in," Coach Stephen Silas said. "There are times when he isn't balanced on his shooting, and that can have an impact on his shot. But for him, it's about confidence."
Smith said he needed to see one shot fall to regain his shooting rhythm. And since his 3-point field goal against the Spurs, Smith has had three consecutive games hitting at least one triple. And while averaging 12.7 points, Smith is shooting 41.7 percent from behind the arc.
Silas never had a concern for Smith's shooting struggles. He said Smith is always working on his shot during practices and spending extra time alongside assistant coaches Rick Higgins and John Lucas II.
Smith revealed he made some minor tweaks to his shooting mechanics. But most of his improvements came from a mental state. Smith said he is less focused on shooting the ball short, which has led to greater confidence in his shot.
"When things do not go your way, you start thinking a lot," Smith said. "That can affect your play. [John Lucas] says I try to be perfect too much. And now, I am trying not to be too hard on myself and trust my work."
"At the end of the day, I've been a shooter my entire life and playing basketball my entire life. At the end of the day, it's all about not overthinking."
Three days after his 3-point shooting drought ended against the Spurs, Smith shot 3-for-7 from behind the arc for 15 points in the Rockets' loss against the Brooklyn Nets.
Although it took longer than expected, the Rockets are finally starting to witness the shooting that made Smith a potential No. 1 pick entering the 2022 NBA Draft.
Three-point shooting was one of the top attributes that led Houston to Smith with the No. 3 pick. As an Auburn prospect, Smith 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 for a positive end to his rookie campaign. An ending that will replicate the same joy and excitement Smith showcased against the Spurs following his first 3-point field goal basket in eight games.
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