Jabari Smith Jr. is the key for the Rockets to make a deep playoff run

Jabari Smith Jr. was key in Houston’s latest victory against the Indiana Pacers. The Sandy Creek native scored 19 points for the second consecutive game and grabbed four rebounds. 

Smith has had an up-and-down season for the Houston Rockets, with many fans critiquing his poor performances as a reason for him to be on the trading block. 

However, the recent season-ending injury to Steven Adams and Kevin Durant’s freak incident are both worrisome developments. Houston is a team built on having a physical and big lineup on the field, and without Adams specifically, the Rockets need Smith’s height and rebounding ability if they want to maintain their style of play. 

Jabari Smith Jr.’s unique skill set can serve the Rockets down the stretch

Prior to Monday’s matchup against the Pacers, Smith had a season FG% of 43.2 according to Basketball-Reference.com, the worst percentage of his career since his rookie year. His three-point shooting numbers tell a similar story. However, against Indiana, he shot 50% from beyond the three-point line, and the Rockets escaped with a 118-114 win.

His performance looks even better considering that Kevin Durant was unavailable because of a sprained ankle. Prior to being drafted, Smith was compared to Durant due to his frame and shooting ability, so seeing him step up and deliver under the circumstances must have been incredibly satisfying for Rockets fans.

If Smith can continue to put up similar performances, then the Rockets will be in a better spot even with the injury bug hitting the team. 

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