Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Joins Elite Company vs. Bulls

An impressive outing against the Bulls has Houston Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. joining an elite company, which features a list of past and current All-Star players.

HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. joined an elite company Saturday night during the Houston Rockets' 119-111 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Inside the Toyota Center, Smith recorded a team-best 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, 2-for-5 from behind the arc. And with 10 rebounds, he recorded two consecutive double-doubles for the first time in his career.

Following his performance against the Bulls, Smith has averaged 17.6 points on .540/.450/.820 shooting splits, with 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals over the previous five games.

He became the fifth rookie to achieve the feat in NBA history — joining Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson and Anthony Edwards. 

"I feel a lot more comfortable," Smith said. "I know where my shots are going to come from, knowing my spots on where I am effective and playing with a lot more energy throughout the game."

Smith's play since a March 4 victory against the San Antonio Spurs has been a 180 compared to the first four games post-All-Star break, where he averaged 8.5 points on 29.5 percent shooting, 0.63 percent from behind the arc.

Smith credited his improved play to the trust and confidence of his teammates and coaches. Kevin Porter Jr. believes Smith is finally starting to get over the rookie wall, which plagued the majority of his first season.

"At the end of the day, you want to see your rooks learn, develop and improve throughout the season," Porter said. "I feel like Jabari's season has definitely been that. 

"He had a great stretch at one point doing the season, but then, hit a rookie wall. Now you see him getting settled into his own game. I am proud of him. And I know he will keep getting better." 

After his career 30-point performance against the Indiana Pacers Thursday night, Smith has a total of 50 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, three steals, three blocks and five made triples over the last two games.

The only other player 20 or younger to have tallied those numbers over a two-game span was James from April 11 to April 14, 2005.

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