Key Highlights
- Kevin Durant praises the small-ball lineup centered around Jabari Smith Jr. in the Houston Rockets’ strategy.
- The Durant-Smith pairing has been one of Houston’s most productive groupings this season, with a high aggregate plus/minus score.
- Despite an off-court distraction for Durant, his postgame emphasis on small-ball highlights team unity and strategic alignment.
- Jabari Smith Jr. has become a key player in the Rockets’ rotation, setting personal records in minutes played and points per game.
Kevin Durant’s Praise for Small Ball: A Strategic Shift or Team Gesture?
Kevin Durant’s recent public endorsement of Houston Rockets’ small-ball strategy has sparked interest. The immediate catalyst was their 105-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, with Durant scoring a notable 35 points.
Postgame remarks highlighted the success of “small ball,” which regularly features Jabari Smith Jr. alongside Durant and other wings. This lineup has proven to be one of Houston’s most productive groupings this season.
The Durand-Smith Duo: Productivity and Plus/Minus Figures
Lineup data shows the Durant-Smith duo leading in aggregate plus/minus figures, with a score of +193 over 1,413 minutes. Per-36 numbers paint a slightly different picture, showing a +4.9 per 36-minute performance for the pairing.
Further analysis reveals that the trio consisting of Durant, Smith, and Steven Adams has produced an impressive +10.7 per 36 minutes (+111 over 375 minutes). Conversely, the Durant-Smith-Clint Capela combination is less effective, with a -0.8 per 36-minute figure.
Contextual Challenges and Forward Outlook
The praise arrived amid an off-court distraction for Durant involving social media activity and alleged disparaging remarks towards teammates, including Jabari Smith Jr. Despite this backdrop, Durant’s emphasis on the small-ball lineup could be seen as both a basketball assessment and a team-oriented gesture.
Complicating Houston’s rotation is Steven Adams’ unavailability due to injuries, leading to more reliance on combinations featuring Durant, Smith, and centers like Alperen Sengun or Capela. The coming games will demonstrate whether the small-ball look can maintain its productivity as the Rockets adjust to their current interior lineup.
You might think this is new, but the Houston Rockets have been experimenting with this strategy for a while now, with Jabari Smith Jr. emerging as a cornerstone player in their offensive plans. His consistent deployment and improved performance are key factors driving this strategic shift.