Smith's home dominance fuels Rockets' wins. Toyota Center thrives when his shot opens the floor and punishes defenses.
When the Rockets take the floor at Toyota Center, there’s a familiar rhythm that opponents are beginning to dread, and a big reason for it is Jabari Smith Jr.
Sunday’s 119-110 win over the Pelicans was proof that when Smith gets hot, the game tends to open up. Smith’s 32 points and career-high seven made threes came in a spot where Houston didn’t just need scoring- they needed spacing and the ability to punish defensive attention.
When Jabari’s shot is clicking- 15 or more points- the Rockets have rarely lost- only once this season at home in a loss to Oklahoma City.
Across his home games this season, Smith has been noticeably more efficient and assertive than on the road- averaging nearly 17 points and seven rebounds in front of the Toyota Center crowd. When he’s comfortable, the offense relaxes around him, and that’s a quiet edge Houston hasn’t always had.
Sunday’s performance didn’t just chase off a potential let-down, though. It showcased Jabari’s true contribution that perhaps wasn’t so obvious before. His production is steadying again, and in Houston, it keeps showing up when it counts.
At home so far this season, Jabari sits at a +106 plus/minus, so it’s clear that when the Rockets do get a break from the road and they walk out with something to show for it, they can thank their 22-year-old power forward.