The Houston Rockets got decimated by the Phoenix Suns. Alperen Sengun & co were already shorthanded, heading into tonight’s game. Their forward, Dillon Brooks, was ruled out of the game due to an abdominal oblique strain. While the Rockets were trying to make things work without Brooks, they suffered another massive blow during the game.

Their Power Forward Jabari Smith Jr. got injured during a play and limped to the locker room. The Rockets fans were devastated by Smith’s injury and prayed for his speedy recovery.

Rockets fans heartbroken by Jabari Smith Jr.’s injury

Jabari Smith Jr. was having a decent game against Kevin Durant & co. He scored 9 points in 22 minutes and also hit a shot from beyond the arc. But Smith’s world came crumbling down when he injured himself on a play. Smith limped to the locker room, unable to continue. Upon further assessment, Jabari Smith Jr. was ruled out for the rest of the game due to a left ankle strain.

The NBA World was heartbroken by the 20-year-old’s injury and prayed for his speedy recovery. One fan wrote, “Prayers up for Jabari Smith Jr.” Rockets fans followed suit.

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Even Rockets Forward Tari Eason’s mother was shocked by Smith’s injury. She exclaimed, “Oh HELL NO!!!!!”

The severity of Jabari’s ankle sprain is still unknown, and it is uncertain when he will return to action. It will be a massive blow for the Rockets if Smith misses significant time due to injury. The sophomore is having a great season, averaging 13.8 assists and 8.8 rebounds. He has been a huge part of the Rockets’ success this season.

Read More: “War Eagle!”: Jabari Smith Jr. Hails Bronny James and USC’s Demolisher in a Horrendous Setback

Houston Rockets crumble in Jabari Smith Jr.’s absence

The already shorthanded Houston Rockets had no chance of beating Kevin Durant & co after Jabari Smith Jr. injured his ankle. There was a big void in their defense, with Dillon Brooks and Jabari missing from the line-up. That gave Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Eric Gordon a chance to showcase their offense. The trio combined for 74 points. KD had one of his best games of this season. He had a triple-double performance with 27 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Houston was missing the offensive firepower. Only Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green managed to score more than 20 points. Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka will have a tough task in the next game if both Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. get ruled out for a significant time. Houston is playing great this season and has a legitimate chance at making it to the playoffs. Do you believe the Rockets being shorthanded will prove a hindrance in their impressive run so far?

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