Jalen Smith didn’t just suit up for the Bulls on Thursday night against the Heat-he extended a quietly impressive scoring streak that’s been building momentum for weeks. After being listed as probable with calf tightness heading into the game, Smith not only took the floor, he stayed in the starting lineup and made his presence felt. By the second quarter, he had already hit double figures-marking his tenth straight game scoring 10 or more points.
That streak began back on January 13 against the Rockets, when Smith dropped 14 points and pulled down nine boards. Since then, he’s carved out a consistent offensive rhythm, becoming a reliable contributor in a Bulls rotation that’s been looking for steady production in the frontcourt. Just one night before facing Miami, Smith posted a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double in a narrow 113-110 loss to the Pacers-a game that slipped away late but showcased Smith’s growing impact.
Through 40 games this season, Smith is averaging 9.9 points and 7.0 rebounds-a solid return for a player who’s found a niche in Chicago’s system. The Bulls, currently sitting at 23-24 and holding the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference, have needed every bit of that production as they navigate a tightly packed playoff race.
Thursday’s matchup with Miami was a makeup game from January 12, which was postponed due to court issues. But for Smith, it was just another opportunity to keep building on a strong stretch of play.
Now in his second full season with the Bulls, Smith signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the team back in 2024. He’s no stranger to change-originally drafted by the Suns in 2020 out of Maryland, he also spent time with the Pacers before landing in Chicago. This marks his seventh year in the league, and while he’s not always the headline name, he’s become a key piece in the Bulls’ rotation.
Jalen Smith has now scored in double figures in 10 straight games 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DG18oz2uBw
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 30, 2026
What stands out most about Smith’s recent stretch isn’t just the scoring totals-it’s how he’s doing it. He’s brought a mix of agility and physicality to the Bulls’ frontcourt, showing the ability to finish around the rim, step out when needed, and crash the glass with purpose. He’s not just filling minutes-he’s earning them.
As Chicago looks to stay in the playoff hunt, Smith’s consistency and energy could be an X-factor. He’s proving that when given the opportunity, he can be more than just a role player-he can be a difference-maker.