Rockets Finding More Consistency in Jabari Smith Jr.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. has been playing efficiently over the last six games.

Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) during the first half in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets are 5-1 in their last six games, most recently coming away with a 114-101 win over the Charlotte Hornets last night. While the scoring distribution was relatively even, one of the biggest bright spots for the Rockets was forward Jabari Smith Jr. He finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-14 shooting, with the highest box plus/minus of the game (+25).

Smith has been incredibly efficient over the last six games, averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2,2 assists, and 1.2 blocks. In that stretch, he's shot 48.4% from the field and 41.9% from three.

It's no coincidence that Smith's play has translated to five wins in six games for the Rockets. In year three there were questions on whether or not he could take that step to be a major piece on a playoff team. With Houston having a 20-9 record, it seems like he's been just that.

At 6-foot-10, Smith's rim protection has been a significant reason why the Rockets have the second-best defensive rating in the NBA (105.4). Despite Houston lacking depth at the center position, Smith is averaging 1.0 blocks as a power forward. The Rockets are seventh in the league in points in the paint allowed per game (45.7).

As Smith continues to navigate his role in the NBA, it's clear he's a part of the Rockets' successful young core. Houston now holds the second seed in the Western Conference through 29 games, which is a good sign that the team will have a firm spot in the postseason.

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