In the first two weeks of January, fourth-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. went through a brutal eight-game shooting slump, and the Rockets were 3-5 over that span.
But since mid-January, Smith’s fortunes have changed in a big way — and so, too, have those of the Rockets as a team.
In 17 games since Jan. 18, the Auburn product is averaging 17.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% overall, 42.6% on 3-pointers, and 81.4% on free throws.
Smith’s true-shooting clip is a robust 64.8% over that period, and the Rockets are 11-6 (.647) during those 17 games — second-best among all Western Conference teams. In their previous 22 games, Houston had gone 11-11.
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After Monday’s home win over Utah, in which Smith scored a game-high 31 points, the Rockets (35-21) are back to No. 3 in the West standings.
“The last month or so I think Jabari has been catching his rhythm, understanding more his role,” Kevin Durant said postgame. “I know guys have been here for a while but it’s still a different team from last year, so guys have got to understand their roles a bit more. I think Bari has just stepped into his position and been great for us the last month.”
#Rockets beat Utah 125-105@HoustonRockets I #AllFire
Kevin Durant 🚀18 PTS🚀12 AST🚀
You can watch KD's full interview on our app athttps://t.co/PiSfeoLhjA pic.twitter.com/wM6DnamNNs
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— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) February 24, 2026
For Smith, it was his first time since February 2024 to score 20+ points in consecutive games.
Against the Jazz, he also had 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. In postgame comments from Toyota Center, the versatile 6-foot-11 forward said he believes those types of defensive contributions often fuel his offense.
“I think it was about my mindset going into the games,” Smith said of his recent improvements. “Like I always say, if I do the other things, I usually play well.”
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”I’m not going into the game worrying about when my shot is going to come, or when I’m going to get the ball. I’m just trying to focus on crashing, and doing other things. Playing defense, rebounding. Usually, when I focus on those things, the game just comes more naturally to me. I’m not thinking about it, and I just feel like I’m in a better flow.”
#Rockets beat Utah 125-105
Jabari Smith Jr.
31 PTS I 9 REB I 3 STL I 4 BLK@HoustonRockets I #AllFire pic.twitter.com/L2NkpfPbwp
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) February 24, 2026
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And at just 22 years old, Houston’s No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 draft still has plenty of time to get even better. Asked Monday whether he feels he’s emerging as one of the better two-way players in the NBA, Smith didn’t mince words.
“For sure,” Smith told Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports.
“As I keep focusing on the defensive end and on the little things, I think I’m only going to keep getting better. The game is slowing down for me this year, and teammates are helping me. I feel like I’m in a good flow right now.”
“To answer your question, yes, for sure.”
For the 2025-26 season overall, Smith is now averaging career-highs in points (15.6 per game), 3-point shooting (37.0%), and true shooting (57.1%). Among NBA forwards, he ranks in the 88th percentile in blocks and 78th percentile in defensive rebounding, per Cleaning the Glass.
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As a team source recently told ClutchFans, “He’s Mr. Reliable.”
For more insight on Smith’s recent play, check out the ClutchFans YouTube channel for live postgame reaction to each game! Monday’s late episode features Dave Hardisty and Jeff Balke.
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