Jabari Smith Jr. sets sights on shooting turnaround after struggling vs Timberwolves

Jabari Smith Jr. is determined to sustain his recent momentum after breaking free. The Rockets forward snapped a brutal shooting slump on January 13, and now eyes continued improvement against tough Western Conference opponents. Will the turnaround hold, or fade like before?

A Month-Long Struggle Finally Ends

Jabari Smith Jr. started the 2025-26 season with career-best shooting numbers. The fourth-year forward benefited enormously from the Kevin Durant trade in the offseason. Yet December proved devastating, as his 3-point percentage plummeted to 31% across nineteen games. The Rockets entered Tuesday’s matchup having lost three straight, with Smith averaging just 9.3 points on abysmal 25.5% shooting.

Frustration mounted as Smith went 0-for-20 from beyond the arc heading into January 13. His confidence wavered, but his teammates remained steadfast. Despite the cold stretch, the Houston roster kept running plays through their No. 10 pick, believing better days loomed ahead.

The Fourth Quarter That Changed Everything

Against the Chicago Bulls, Smith struggled for three quarters, missing his first five attempts from deep. The game remained tight, and another loss seemed inevitable. Then came the fourth, when Smith exploded with 10 clutch points to secure a 119-113 victory and snap the losing streak. Two triples featured in his late-game barrage, ending the brutal 0-for-20 slump.

“Teammates believed in me,” Smith reflected after that pivotal win. “They kept passing it to me. Everyone told me to keep my head up.” That faith proved transformative, offering a psychological release the struggling forward desperately needed after weeks of heartbreak and missed opportunities.

Sustaining Momentum Against Minnesota

The January 16 encounter with Minnesota revealed the inconsistency that still plagues Smith’s recovery. He posted 17 points and 10 rebounds, yet shot only 5-for-15 from the field and 3-for-6 from three. The Timberwolves’ defense, ranked among the league’s elite, limited opportunities and forced contested looks. Smith’s blocks and defensive contributions remained valuable, but the offensive inconsistency lingers.

The Path Forward Requires Discipline

Smith averaged career highs in points and shooting percentage before December arrived. The schedule intensified, back-to-backs multiplied, and fatigue set in league-wide. While peers like Kevin Durant maintained elite efficiency and Amen Thompson thrived near the rim, Smith’s shooting mechanics suffered. Finding consistency from three requires both confidence and proper spacing against sophisticated defenses.

The Rockets orbit around Durant’s offensive gravity, drawing defenders and opening lanes. When Smith plays efficiently within that system, Houston ranks among basketball’s most dangerous offenses. Conversely, when he forces shots or loses focus, the Rockets struggle to execute their ball movement philosophy.

Can This Breakthrough Stick Against the Elite?

The Houston roster faces Oklahoma City, Denver, and other conference powers in January’s final stretch. Smith must prove his fourth-quarter eruption against Chicago wasn’t a one-game flash. Consistency separates good forwards from great ones, and at 24 years old, Smith remains in his development window. Does his resolve translate into sustained excellence, or will another cold spell derail his season narrative?

“It was the type of quarter that helps players get out of a shooting slump. Smith teammates continued to get him the ball despite his struggles.”

— Sports Illustrated, on Smith’s clutch fourth quarter comeback

Sources

• Rockets Wire – Comprehensive coverage of Jabari Smith Jr. snapping slump with 18-point performance vs. Chicago Bulls
• Sports Illustrated – In-depth analysis of Smith’s fourth-quarter breakdown and path to recovery
• ESPN – Season statistics and game logs tracking Smith’s shooting efficiency and recent performances

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.