Jabari Smith Jr. scored just 22 points over the first three games of the Houston Rockets’ four-game winning streak.
But he believes the things that helped him score 28 points on Friday can keep the Rockets playing well, starting with their game on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls.
Taking advice from coach Ime Udoka, Smith focused on other areas of his game to stop worrying about his shooting struggles. As a result, he finished the game with 11 rebounds and two steals, along with an 11-for-17 shooting performance, including 5-for-8 from beyond the arc, in the Rockets’ 125-104 win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Tonight, I was just kind of letting it fly. Not thinking about it so much. Getting out of my own head,” Smith said. “That was really it. Nothing really different, you know what I’m saying? Just less thinking.”
The Rockets played a team-focused game, recording 31 assists on 46 made field goals. Alperen Sengun posted a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Fred VanVleet added 18 points and 10 assists for his own double-double.
“I thought our execution was good,” VanVleet said. “The ball was moving. Quick decisions. Nobody was really holding it.”
The Bulls and Rockets have been even in their last 10 matchups, but Chicago has won three of the last four games played at the United Center.
The Bulls are looking to end a busy week on a positive note. They’ve had a mix of results, with losses to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers surrounding a close road win against the New York Knicks.
Despite strong performances from Coby White, who scored 29 points, and Nikola Vucevic, who added 25 points, the Bulls couldn’t build on their momentum from the Knicks game. They lost 144-126 to the Cavaliers on Friday.
After Ayo Dosunmu’s dunk brought the Bulls within four points with 2:55 left, the Cavaliers closed the game strong, scoring 21 of the final 28 points.
Josh Giddey, who was involved in a trade that sent defensive standout Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City, wasn’t on the floor during the crucial final stretch after struggling defensively.
“I want to be better on that side of the ball and thought I was making steps in the right direction,” Giddey said. “To have a night like tonight kind of kills your confidence. I have to (be) way better and will be going forward.”
With Giddey playing only 15 minutes, Patrick Williams (17 points) and Zach LaVine stepped up in the playmaking department, each contributing nine assists.
Chicago finished with 32 assists on 45 made field goals and shot 20-for-42 from three-point range. The Bulls have had at least 30 assists in seven games this season and have hit 20 or more threes three times.
“I love the way we’re trying to play and the commitment we’re making physically to the game,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. “I love the way we’re sharing the ball and pushing it up the floor.”
