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Jabari Smith Jr. breaks out as Rockets lose another heartbreaker

ben dubose
·4 min read
2

For a second straight game, the Rockets lost a heartbreaker to a probable playoffs-bound opponent with only 0.3 seconds left. This time, it came on a lob to Jimmy Butler from an out-of-bounds play, giving Miami a 97-95 home win (box score) over Houston on Friday.

But for the young and rebuilding Rockets, who lost their fifth straight game, there was a lot to otherwise like. For starters, the same group that had given up 130 or more points in three consecutive games buckled down defensively to hold the Heat below 100 points.’

On both ends of the court, it was arguably the best professional game to date for rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr., who had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and a key blocked shot in 34 minutes. Smith connected on 8-of-16 shots (50.0%) overall, including 3-of-9 on 3-pointers (33.3%) and all three of his free throws. Those included two in the game’s final minute to tie the game under immense pressure.

Tyler Herro led the Heat (31-25) with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists on 11-of-20 shooting (55.0%), including 5-of-10 on 3-pointers.

Other key statistics for the Rockets (13-43) included:

  • KJ Martin: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 5 turnovers; 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)

  • Alperen Sengun: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers; 3-of-9 shooting (33.3%)

  • Jalen Green: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnoers: 5-of-19 shooting (26.3%), 0-of-9 on 3-pointers

Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interview reaction. Next up for Houston, as its three-game road trip continues, is Monday’s game at Philadelphia. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Central.

Highlights

Analysis and Interviews

Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire