Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Thriving Following Self-Evaluation During All-Star Break

Despite a disappointing loss to the Thunder, Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. is thriving following his self-evaluation during the All-Star break.

HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. used the All-Star break to evaluate his performance. Driven by his winning mentality, Smith wanted to improve his play to help the Houston Rockets keep pace in the rigid western conference, where they sat six games under .500 with a 24-30 record. 

Before the break, Smith was one of four players coach Ime Udoka benched due to their lousy production against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 14.

The Rockets are now seven games under .500 (25-32) following their 123-110 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday night. But Smith showcased that his self-evaluation is paying off. He finished the night with 20 points on 6 of 15 shooting, 17 rebounds and four assists — his second consecutive double-double following Friday's win over the Phoenix Suns.

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the first quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"For me, it is all about keeping my energy consistent," Smith said. "I do not want any games where I am just out there floating, not letting the game come to me. That's been my mentality, and I will try and stick with it."

Smith's second-year stats are slightly better when compared to his rookie year. But his performance against the Thunder illustrates the significant leap he has taken throughout the 2023-24 season.

Smith is starting to showcase the 3-point shooting that made him a highly sought-after prospect coming out of Auburn University.

In the three games played since the All-Star break, Smith has nailed nine 3-point field goals en route to shooting 42.9 percent from deep. 

On the defensive end, he has established himself as one of Houston's best versatile defenders, given his ability to guard positions one through five. However, rebounding is starting to become Smith's best on-court attribute.

His play against the Thunder marked the 19th time Smith recorded 10 or more rebounds, tying his career-best from the previous season. During Houston's first two games against the Thunder, Smith has averaged 17.5 boards against his 2022 draftmate Chet Holmgren. 

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Despite the disappointing loss to the Thunder, Smith achieved a significant career milestone. He became the youngest player in league history to post 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, 200 made 3-point field goals and 100 blocks at 20 years old.

Smith was pleased with his performance against Oklahoma City. However, his will to win left him dejected following another disappointing defeat for the Rockets.

"The rebounding numbers, his activity has been great," Udoka said. "He has been aggressive with taking the shots opponents are given him. The break did him well. But I think his mindset has been pretty well during the second half of the season."