Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. made a strong comeback after missing 22 games due to a broken left hand, scoring 15 points in a 121-115 overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Despite being a usual starter, Smith came off the bench early in the first quarter, playing a significant 38 minutes. His contribution extended beyond scoring, as he also grabbed nine rebounds, dished out two assists, and recorded a block, helping the Rockets secure a hard-fought victory.
Jabari Smith Jr. Eases Back Into Action, Strengthening Rockets’ Rotation
Head coach Ime Udoka decided to bring Smith off the bench instead of immediately reinserting him into the starting lineup. The move was influenced by the possibility of needing fresh legs for the Rockets’ upcoming back-to-back game against the Utah Jazz.
Udoka explained that the decision was partly about easing Smith back into game action while keeping future lineup options open. Despite the adjusted role, Smith’s presence was impactful, and his performance suggests he is ready for increased minutes moving forward.
Jabari Smith Jr. (NFL)Smith suffered his injury on January 3 during a team shootaround, fracturing a metacarpal bone in his left hand. During his 22-game absence, the Rockets managed a 12-10 record, with rookie Amen Thompson stepping into the starting lineup for 20 of those games.
Thompson’s defensive prowess was recognized, as he earned the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award for January. Smith, before his injury, had been averaging 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, making his return a crucial boost for the Rockets.
Rockets Manage Injuries as Jabari Smith Jr. Boosts Playoff Aspirations
The Rockets were still without Fred VanVleet, who missed his eighth consecutive game due to a strained right ankle. On the other side, the Timberwolves played without Rudy Gobert for a second straight game as he dealt with lower back spasms. However, Minnesota did get a boost with veteran guard Mike Conley returning from a sprained right index finger, contributing five points and five assists in 24 minutes.
With Smith back in action, the Rockets will look to build momentum as they continue their season. His role may expand in the coming games, potentially returning to the starting lineup soon. Houston will have to manage player availability carefully, especially with back-to-back games and VanVleet’s ongoing absence. As the team fights for a strong position in the Western Conference, Smith’s return provides both depth and experience, reinforcing their push for a playoff spot.
