Despite Loss, Jabari Smith Jr.'s Good Game Adds to His Career-Best Season

Jabari Smith is showing he can be more than just a role player as he has taken the next step and having a career season.

Dec 6, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) shoots a jump shot over Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images | Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets, playing the second night of a back-to-back and without their top two centers in Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, knew it would be tough to come away with their 16th win of the season. Despite the Dallas Mavericks' tough start to the season, they have been playing better basketball in the last handful of games.

That precisely what the game was for the Rockets, an uphill battle as they trailed for most of the night on their way to a 122-109 loss. Anthony Davis dominated the Rockets' shorthanded front court on his way to 29 points. For the Rockets, Kevin Durant was their main offensive option for most of the game, but he did not play in the fourth quarter. For the most part, there weren't many bright spots for the Rockets, but one player helped them stay in the game: Jabari Smith.

Smith was the Rockets' second leading scorer with 22 points and also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three assists in the loss. For Smith, it was another good game in a season of really good games. Smith in his fourth season, has taken that next step this season, especially on the offensive end.

Jabari Smith is having a career season for the Rockets

Smith has had a solid but unspectacular start to his career over the first three seasons. Smith saw his points per game, rebounds, and 3-point percentage all drop last season, but the Rockets had their best overall season in the previous five years, finishing with 52 wins.

After the Rockets acquired Kevin Durant in the offseason, many believed Smith would be one of the biggest beneficiaries on the court this season and that is exactly what has happened. Smith is averaging a career best in several offensive categories.

Smith is averaging a career best in points per game, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and effective field goal percentage. Smith has been aggressive all season as he has taken advantage of the attention players like Sengun and Durant have drawn all season long. Smith is also averaging a career high 12 field goal attempts per game as well this season.

In the past, Smith would spend most of his time at the 3-point line waiting for a kickout pass. This season, Smith is taking the ball to the basket, which is the main reason he is averaging a career high in free throw attempts at 3 per game. The Rockets can now depend on their two star players, Sengun and Durant, to supply elite offense all season, but this season, Smith has shown he can be more than just a complementary player.