Jabari Smith Jr. is turning heads in Houston, and for good reason. After a rocky patch earlier this season, Smith seems to have found his rhythm, and the Rockets are reaping the benefits.
In the four games since the All-Star break, Smith has put up 15, 21, 31, and 12 points, averaging nearly 20 points per game. But it's not just about the numbers-it's how he's getting them.
Houston's offense hit a rough patch starting December, with Smith experiencing the worst shooting slump of his career. During that time, he was shooting just 31.7% from beyond the arc and 41.1% from the field.
However, things have taken a positive turn, and Smith is now playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Since the break, Smith is shooting a blistering 46% from three-point range. While that number may level out, maintaining a high 30s to low 40s percentage would be a massive boost for a Rockets team that has struggled offensively at times.
His recent stat line reads an impressive 19.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, all on a remarkable 64% shooting from the floor. He's also shown improvements in his ball-handling, addressing a common critique from fans.
The impact of Smith's resurgence is clear. When he was shooting 38.3% from three and averaging 15.8 points earlier in the season, Houston's offense was thriving.
Conversely, when his shooting dipped to 30.6%, the team struggled. Recently, with Smith hitting 45% from deep, the Rockets have gone 4-2, boosting their win percentage above their season average.
Smith has faced his share of criticism, but his ability to bounce back deserves recognition. At just 22, he has ample time to develop into the elite stretch four that Rockets fans envisioned. Consistency will be key, and with a few more seasons before reaching his athletic prime, the future looks bright.
Jabari Smith Jr. and the Rockets are set to face the Orlando Magic this Thursday at 6:30 PM. Fans can catch the game on SCHN and stay tuned to The Dream Shake for all the latest pre- and post-game coverage.