Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Looking Ahead To Next Meeting Against Anthony Davis: 'I'll Be Ready'
HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. has guarded every All-Star caliber player throughout his rookie campaign except for one — Anthony Davis. And Sunday night, Smith's first opportunity came during the Houston Rockets' 134-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smith was one of several players who struggled to defend Davis. The eight-time All-Star erupted for 40 points on 15-for-20 shooting to help the Lakers end a two-game losing streak inside the Toyota Center.
Smith said the Rockets tried several defensive schemes to contain Davis, who he described as a "tough" assignment.
But Smith, who finished with 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-4 3PT) and six rebounds, vows to use his first match against Davis as a learning experience for his next game against the star big man.
"The next time I play him, I'll be ready," Smith said. "You can get only so much from film. By playing against somebody, you get a feel for what they like to do. It's about learning and competing — it's just fun."
Smith's first experience playing against Davis was similar to his initial meeting against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Rockets sustained a 20-point defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 22 inside the Fiserv Forum. The game was Smith's third contest of his career, and Antetokounmpo recorded 44 points (17-12 FG, 2-3 3PT) in the win.
Smith was left in awe by Antetokounmpo's performance. But when it came time for his rematch on Dec. 11, Smith felt he was more equipped to slow down the two-time MVP.
He used his first meeting against Antetokounmpo to learn his tendencies and adjust to his physicality. And the early season experience led to Smith holding Antetokounmpo to 16 points (7-17 FG) en route to a five-point victory for Houston.
"They have different types of games," Smith said. "Giannis is dominant in his transition, and he is better at getting to the rim. A.D. is a lot more skilled with moves, and he can shoot.
"How strong he is, his ability to shoot, just how smart he is on the block, and you got to box him out. I tried to make it hard on him, but you know, it's tough."
Smith said each time he steps onto the floor is an opportunity to learn and measure himself against the NBA's elite.
The next time Smith faces off against Davis, the rookie prospect from Auburn University will be in his sophomore season. And the adjustments Smith will make over the next several months will be enough to prevent another 40-point performance from Davis.
"We tried to double him on the catch," Smith said. "We tried to play him straight. Then we tried to double when he gets in the scoring area, tried to front a little bit. We tried to throw a lot at him, but he's just so tough."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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