Tag: Jabari Smith Jr.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka updates Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. injury timelines

Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle) and Dillon Brooks (right oblique) could rejoin the Rockets in a week or so, per Ime Udoka. For now, Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate will start.

The Houston Rockets played Philadelphia on Friday without both of their starting forwards. Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) was injured in Tuesday’s loss to Indiana, and Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) suffered his own injury in Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix.

The Rockets didn’t initially indicate either player would miss time with his injury. Team doctors apparently needed to examine advanced imaging results to learn the extent of each injury.

At Friday’s pregame media session, Udoka offered new insight on the status of each injured player. It appears neither injury is considered long term. Via Adam Wexler of SportsTalk 790, the team’s official flagship radio station, here’s what Udoka told reporters:

Ime Udoka said he didn’t want to give an exact date for the return of Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) and Dillon Brooks (oblique), but thinks they should both be shorter term, maybe a week or so. But again, no definitive timetable for their return.

The good news for the Rockets (15-14) is that after Friday, they have only one game in the next four days: Monday against the woeful Pistons (2-29), who have an NBA-record losing streak of 28 straight games. That could give Houston an opportunity to be conservative with any injuries before the schedule picks up again in the latter part of next week.

For however long Brooks and Smith are sidelined, reserve forwards Jae’Sean Tate, Tari Eason, Jeff Green and Cam Whitmore are among those who are likely to see increased minutes for the Rockets.

Tate and Green will replace Brooks and Smith in the starting lineup, since Eason (lower left leg soreness) remains on a minutes limitation of approximately 25 per game, according to Udoka.

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Injuries mount for Rockets as Jabari Smith Jr. exits with left ankle sprain

One night after losing Dillon Brooks to an oblique injury, the Rockets also lost frontcourt mate Jabari Smith Jr. to an ankle sprain in Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix.

One night after losing Dillon Brooks to a right oblique strain, the Rockets lost frontcourt mate Jabari Smith Jr. to a left ankle sprain in Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix at Toyota Center. Smith limped to the home locker room in the third quarter and did not return.

For now, that leaves Houston without both of its starting forwards. Projected return timetables are not yet known for either player, according to a postgame update by head coach Ime Udoka.

For Smith, the talented No. 3 pick in the 2022 first round, the unfortunate injury comes at a time when he had been building momentum by the game. Over his last four outings, the 20-year-old had averaged 22.8 points (57.7% FG, 45% on 3-pointers) and 9.5 rebounds in 35.9 minutes per game for the Rockets.

Jae’Sean Tate and Tari Eason, who normally back up Brooks and Smith, appear to be candidates for increased workloads in the near future. With the status of both starting forwards in doubt, Houston (15-14) resumes play Friday at home versus Philadelphia (21-9).

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‘Season of Giving’: How Rockets gave back to Houston over holidays

The Houston Rockets, along with select players and Kroger as the official sponsor, hosted a series of “Season of Giving” events in December.

The Houston Rockets, along with select players and sponsor Kroger, hosted a series of “Season of Giving” events in December.

Rockets players who took part in these special holiday events included Boban Marjanović, Aaron Holiday, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, Jae’Sean Tate, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.

Read on for details of various program events over the past two weeks, along with photos and videos of the many players taking part. All information and multimedia content is courtesy of the Rockets.

Dec. 12

Marjanović kicked off the team’s Season of Giving initiative by participating in a shopping spree for underserved families at Kroger on Buffalo Speedway. As part of that shopping spree, Marjanović spent the evening posing for photos and helping select families pick out groceries with gift cards provided by Kroger.

Dec. 19

The Rockets and Holiday partnered with Kroger to provide Casa De Esperanza with holiday gifts for its House of Hope foster care program. Kroger gifted a refrigerator and air fryer while donating groceries to fill the fridge and pantry of a “House of Hope” home.

Through the Aaron Holiday Foundation, Aaron and his wife, Ashli, made a donation to the program, which was matched by the NBA. Casa de Esperanza, which opened in 1982, provides safety, hope and a home to children whose families are affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness and mental illness.

Elsewhere, Smith provided a special experience for 50 students at Jack Yates High School with holiday gifts and a surprise party featuring food and entertainment. Located in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward community, Jack Yates High School opened in 1926 and was Houston’s second school for African-American children.

Finally, VanVleet and Houston Texans offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil jointly hosted a surprise shopping spree for 50 kids from the Urban Enrichment Institute. VanVleet and Tunsil began the festivities with a Christmas dinner party, courtesy of Trill Burgers.

Following dinner, VanVleet and Tunsil took the students to Target to help them pick out holiday gifts as part of a shopping spree.

The Urban Enrichment Institute is a youth leadership and development program for at-risk males between the 12 and 19 years old. It is designed to empower boys to become responsible men and productive members of their families and communities.

Dec. 21

Tate partnered with Lily’s Toy Box to provide holiday gifts for underserved children. Tate participated in holiday activities with children and presented them with tickets to a future home game.

Lily’s Toy Box is described as a nonprofit foundation that provides new toys to kids going through difficult situations. It was originally founded by 8-year-old Lily DuBose, when she began giving away her own toys to kids affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Later that day, Green hosted a holiday party for families at Ronald McDonald House Houston. While there, Green was joined by Rockets mascot Clutch the Bear and members of the Clutch City Dancers, who helped distribute gifts and serve dinner to the families.

For 40 years, Ronald McDonald House Houston has provided a home away from home for families whose children are seriously ill and being treated at a hospital inside the Texas Medical Center.

That night, Brooks hosted a holiday party for more than 50 foster kids at BEAR Houston. Brooks was hand to greet the kids and provided them with a special dinner courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings. There was a photo booth, face painting station and various other holiday activities for kids to participate in with Brooks.

BEAR…BE A Resource is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve lives by providing hope and help for at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers in the greater Houston area.

Dec. 22

To close the “Season of Giving,” Brooks invited a Rockets fan facing a serious illness to attend Friday’s home game versus the Mavericks. Brooks provided a VIP experience for the fan and their family, including a pregame meet-and-greet on the court.

Scroll on for further details and highlights from each of these holiday events, along with accompanying photos and videos.

Takeaways: Rockets stun Pelicans behind Alperen Sengun’s career game

With a career-high 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, Alperen Sengun led the underdog Rockets to an impressive win on Saturday night in New Orleans.

On the second night of a back-to-back in different cities, third-year Rockets center Alperen Sengun delivered a career performance in Saturday’s thrilling 106-104 road victory (box score) over the Pelicans. Houston (15-12) and New Orleans (17-13) enter a brief Christmas break: Both are off until Tuesday.

Sengun finished with a career-high 37 points on 11-of-21 shooting (52.4%) and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line (82.4%). He also grabbed 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Frontcourt mate Jabari Smith Jr. was excellent, as well, with 26 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 10-of-14 overall (71.4%) and 4-of-5 on 3-pointers (80%).

That was enough for the Rockets to survive a spirited effort by the rested and full-strength Pelicans, who were led by 28 points (68.8% FG), 8 rebounds and 4 assists by rising star Zion Williamson. Houston’s defense, which struggled at times in recent games, was elite down the stretch as the Rockets closed out an upset victory.

Here’s our look at Saturday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is Tuesday’s game versus Indiana (14-13), which kicks off a seven-game homestand at Toyota Center. The tip is at 7 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Alperen Sengun bounces back with huge night as Rockets blast short-handed Mavs

After hearing criticism from Ime Udoka earlier in the week, Alperen Sengun responded with one of his best career games as Houston routed short-handed Dallas.

After hearing some postgame criticism from head coach Ime Udoka following Wednesday’s loss, third-year Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun immediately bounced back with one of his best career games in Friday’s 122-96 rout of Dallas (box score).

The Mavericks (16-12) were short-handed, with superstar guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both sidelined by injury. But it was a needed win for the host Rockets (14-12), who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the 12th time in 13 games at Toyota Center.

Sengun finished with a team-high 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets in under 25 minutes played, making 8-of-12 shots (66.7%), 1-of-1 from 3-point range, and a perfect 5-of-5 on free throws.

Other noteworthy Rockets performances included:

  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 21 points, 8 rebounds; 8-of-13 shooting (61.5%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80.0%)
  • Jalen Green: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; 5-of-14 shooting (35.7%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%), 4-of-4 on free throws
  • Cam Whitmore: 14 points, rebounds, 2 steals in 14 minutes; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%)
  • Amen Thompson: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%)

Whitmore was recalled from the NBA G League earlier in the day. He and fellow rookie Amen Thompson, both drafted in the 2023 first round, each played the entire fourth quarter after Houston grabbed a massive third-quarter lead that ballooned to as large as 38 points.

With Doncic and Irving out, the Mavs were led by 16 points from veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. — who was held to just 6-of-20 shooting (30.0%) and 2-of-8 from 3-point range (25.0%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is night two of a back-to-back on Saturday night in New Orleans. Tipoff versus the Pelicans (17-12) is at 6:00 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Jabari Smith Jr. posts career night as Hawks edge Rockets

Jabari Smith Jr. (34 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Fred VanVleet (32 points, 15 assists) were electric, but it wasn’t quite enough to beat Atlanta.

In a wild back-and-forth game, a career night by second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. wasn’t enough to rescue the Houston Rockets in Wednesday’s 134-127 loss (box score) to the Atlanta Hawks.

It’s the third consecutive loss for Houston (13-12), which had its 11-game home-court winning streak at Toyota Center snapped. The Hawks (12-15) were led by perennial All-Star guard Trae Young, who had 30 points and 14 assists while shooting 10-of-18 from the field (55.6%) and 5-of-8 from 3-point range (62.5%).

The Rockets stormed back from a 20-point deficit midway through the second quarter to take a 5-point lead late in the third, but Atlanta rebuilt the margin with a flurry of pick-and-roll lobs to big man Onyeka Okongwu that Alperen Sengun struggled to defend.

Smith finished with a career-high 34 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks for the Rockets, shooting 8-of-14 overall (57.1%), 4-of-7 on 3-pointers (57.1%) and 14-of-14 on free throws.

Fred VanVleet was spectacular at point guard with 32 points, 15 assists, and only 2 turnovers while making 10-of-20 shots (50%), 3-of-7 from 3-point range (42.9%), and 9-of-9 on free throws.

Other noteworthy Rockets performances included:

  • Dillon Brooks: 19 points, 2 steals; 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%), 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists; 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%)
  • Jalen Green: 16 points, 4 rebounds; 7-of-19 shooting (36.8%), 2-of-7 on 3-pointers (28.6%)

Second-year forward Tari Eason, who had played extremely well in recent games, sat with left lower leg soreness. It was Houston’s fourth game in six nights, and Eason missed time in the preseason and early in the regular season with a stress reaction to that area.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Wednesday’s game versus Atlanta, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is Friday’s home game versus Dallas. The tip is set for 7 p.m. Central from Toyota Center.

As career grows, Jabari Smith Jr. embraces big family of Houston

“Through the ups and downs, the city has always shown me love,” Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. says. “This city is like a big family, and I love that.”

HOUSTON — Before Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. walked into the gymnasium at Jack Yates High School, he looked through the glass doors in search of one person. He knew this person would be there to watch as he surprised a group of 50 students with shoes and a gift bag from his corporate sponsor, Adidas.

Smith’s father, former NBA player Jabari Smith Sr., turned his head at the right moment to make eye contact, and they greeted each other with a head nod as Smith Jr. walked through the door.

Smith Sr. had watched his son, the No. 3 selection in the 2022 NBA draft, enter many high school gymnasiums ready to compete on the court. But this day was different, because Smith Jr. was not there to score points or block shots. Instead, he was there to make a difference in the lives of youth in attendance.

“It’s surreal,” Smith Sr. told Rockets Wire about the community work his son is doing. “The kid (Smith Jr.) just keeps improving in every area, both on and off the court.”

Smith Sr. continued his comments:

As I watch him, I look at the developments off the court more than I do on the court. On the court, he is fine. He will have a good NBA career, but off the court, he will be able to develop relationships with adults and kids. But since kids are the most important, you must help guide them.”

You can’t just use your money and say, ‘Here you go.’ I want him to be one of the ones who pull up to their games and try to be as normal as possible because that is where the detachment is. These kids think that they can’t be him because he is famous and a star. No. He is a human who happens to be good at a sport. He is just a normal dude who worked hard, but this (community work) is his passion. I want him to give his time, energy, and love and then give some shoes.

Smith Jr. has been in the city for more than a year and a half. Over that time, he has organized numerous community events to help underprivileged youth throughout Houston. Although he is from Atlanta, the former Auburn University superstar loves the city and the fans who have made it a point to make him feel comfortable.

“Through the ups and downs, the city has always shown me love,” Smith Jr. said. “Even with the losses last year and us picking it up a little bit this year, it has always been the same thing. It has always been hopeful and encouraging words through my struggles. I am just grateful to have a city that is always with you through sports. This city is like a big family, and I love that.”

As Smith Jr. interacted with students, the expressions of excitement on their faces was a humbling experience for him, being 20 years old and just three years removed from high school, himself. That is why it was so important for his dad to be in attendance while seeing his son applying the life lessons that he was taught growing up.

“Show kids that you can be mature at a young age,” Smith Sr.’s said of his message. “When you smile and do it, you show these kids you are just like them; he is just good as hell in basketball.”

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Takeaways: Cavs edge Rockets in overtime after Alperen Sengun’s potential winner rims out

Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists) played well in defeat, but Sengun’s potential game-winner rimmed out in Cleveland.

Rockets stars Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists, 8 rebounds) played extremely well on Monday night in Cleveland, but the big man’s bid for a clinching buzzer-beater rimmed out in regulation. The Cavaliers then pulled away in overtime, 135-130 (box score).

It was the second night of a road back-to-back for Houston, which seemed to run out of steam during the extra five minutes. The Rockets (13-11) finished a three-game road trip 1-2 after also losing Sunday’s game in Milwaukee, while Cleveland (15-12) won its second straight.

The Cavs were led by superstar guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 37 points and 6 assists while shooting 14-of-27 overall (51.9%) and 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%). Cleveland hit 19-of-48 from 3-point range as a team, led by five off the bench by Sam Merrill, who finished with 19 points in 24 minutes while shooting 50% on treys.

Other noteworthy Rockets performances during Monday’s game, both in positive and negative ways, consisted of:

  • Tari Eason: 14 points, 8 rebounds in 33 minutes; 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80%)
  • Jalen Green: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; 2-of-12 shooting (16.7%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%), 7-of-7 on free throws
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 5 points, 7 rebounds; 2-of-7 shooting (28.6%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 16 points, 3 rebounds; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
  • Jeff Green: 15 points, 3 rebounds in 24 minutes; 6-of-6 shooting, 3-of-3 on free throws
  • Aaron Holiday: 14 points, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Monday’s game in Cleveland, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is a return home to Houston, where they have won 11 straight games. The tip for Wednesday’s Rockets-Hawks matchup at Toyota Center is slated for 7 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Damian Lillard’s Bucks avoid upset, but Rockets show their mettle

Damian Lillard’s Bucks had enough offense to survive an upset bid by Fred VanVleet and the visiting Rockets, who had their five-game winning streak snapped.

In a high-profile road game versus an NBA title contender, the improved Houston Rockets made Milwaukee work. They could not, however, get over the final hump in Sunday’s 128-119 loss (box score) to the Bucks (19-7), who were led by their duo of frequent MVP candidates, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

Lillard led the Bucks with a game-high 39 points and 11 assists, shooting 11-of-19 from the field (57.9%) and 5-of-8 from 3-point range (62.5%). Antetokounmpo added 26 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, shooting 10-of-22 (45.5%). Milwaukee outrebounded the Rockets by a decisive 56-39 margin, with several generating extra shot chances when Houston badly needed a stop.

With the loss, Houston (13-10) had its five-game winning streak snapped. The final margin was worsened by a series of controversial calls and ejections (Dillon Brooks and Ime Udoka) in the game’s final 40 seconds, which ballooned a margin that had been as slim as one possession with under six minutes left to play.

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 22 points and 6 assists on 8-of-16 shooting and 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50%). Backcourt mate Jalen Green had an efficient 16 points and a team-high 7 assists, making 6-of-11 shots (54.5%) and 2-of-4 from behind the arc (50%).

Other standout players for the Rockets included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists; 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals; 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 16 points, 5 rebounds; 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%)
  • Tari Eason: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals; 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jeff Green: 16 points in 17 minutes; 4-of-5 shooting (80%), 7-of-8 on free throws (87.5%)

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Sunday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as a challenging road back-to-back concludes, is Monday’s matchup at Cleveland (14-12). Tipoff is at 6 p.m. Central.

As 2023-24 season passes quarter pole, surging Rockets see clear progress

“They are playing through the right guys and playing winning basketball,” Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. tells @BigSargeSportz of the Rockets.

With over a quarter of the 2023-24 NBA season complete, the Houston Rockets find themselves in an excellent situation.

They are 12-9. Extrapolated over a full 82-game schedule, that is 47 games, which typically translates to a playoff berth or at least a play-in tournament spot.

At the same point last season, they were 5-16 and on their way to a third straight finish either last or tied for last in the Western Conference.

Last season, those lonely wins often come after an extended losing streak. But under new head coach Ime Udoka, Houston has learned to overcome adversity after dropping consecutive games.

During the first 20 games of a tumultuous 2022-23 season, when many of the younger players were still learning to navigate an NBA schedule under then-coach Stephen Silas, Houston’s longest winning streak was two games. With Udoka, they won a season-best six straight in November and are on a four-game streak.

“I like where we are at,” Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. said earlier this week. “I know that there is a lot that we can improve on, and that is what I am excited about most. I feel like we are not as near as what we can be. We are still figuring each other out, I am just happy that we can sit right here with a winning record and still learning each other. So, I am happy about that.”

What has kept the Rockets in a lot of games this season is their improved defense. Entering Wednesday, Houston ranked first in points per game allowed (105.6) while giving up the lowest 3-point percentage (31.7%) and second-lowest field goal percentage (43.7%) among all 30 NBA teams.

“We are feisty,” veteran forward Jeff Green said. “We are going to continue to play hard and continue to play as a team. There are no selfish guys on this team, and we all want to win.”

Other teams are noticing the new-look Rockets, who supplemented their young core with veterans Green, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Their offseason transformation has stopped the chatter around the NBA that the Rockets are easy to defeat.

“They are playing hard, and they have a good bench unit,” Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. told Rockets Wire during Wednesday’s team shootaround. “They play good defense, and they play faster. I think a lot of the guys who need to get shots are getting them. They are playing through the right guys and playing winning basketball.”

One major issue that has plagued Houston is its road inefficiency. It is 1-8 on the road, though the one win was an impressive one: last Friday versus defending NBA champion Denver. Once the Rockets can transfer their home magic (11-1) to the road, Houston could find a formula for playoff contention.

Although he has struggled at times, third-year guard Jalen Green has seen improvement in himself and his other young teammates, who have elevated their games in the opening weeks.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” Green told reporters this week. “Obviously, we could be better. There is always room for improvement. There are little things we can get better at. Overall, I think everybody is getting better and getting to know each other, which helps each other know what to do day in and day out.”

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