The Houston Rockets leaned on the prolific scoring of Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. to dispose of the Dallas Mavericks, 128-110, in their season opener at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
Durant had 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting, six rebounds, and three assists, while Smith added 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-8 from long range, five rebounds, and two steals.
Smith was four points shy of tying his career-high. He was efficient with his shot selection. In the postgame conference, Durant was asked about Smith’s decision-making, and the two-time Finals MVP gave a witty answer.
“His decision to go get 30. That was the most important thing,” said Durant in the video posted by Locked On Network’s Jackson Gatlin, eliciting laughter in the media room.
Asked Kevin Durant what he saw with Jabari Smith Jr.'s decision-making tonight:
"His decision to go get 30." pic.twitter.com/vx4wsDU90w
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 22, 2026
No burner account needed for that hilarious burn.
Fans on X showed love to the 23-year-old Smith for his impressive showing.
“Jabari’s been hooping like he got something to prove lately,” said @sofx83.
“Talk about efficient 
#allfire,” added @Htown_Aggie.
“KD and Bari 30-piece? We’re going far this year,” declared @teekev8.
“I hope this is his year, man,” commented @TProfty.
“Gonna go down as the best player in 2022 class,” claimed @rocketsdon.
With his length and versatility, Smith has a high upside. He, however, has yet to fully learn how to maximize them. He has shown steady improvement, and the guidance of Durant should help him become a well-rounded player.
Last season, Smith averaged a career-high 15.8 points on 45% shooting and 6.9 rebounds in 77 games.
The Rockets will take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
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