In a rematch from Wednesday and in the opener of Emirates NBA Cup 2024 play for both teams, the Rockets won by an even larger margin in Friday's dominant 125-104 home victory (box score) over the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center.

Well, Jabari Smith Jr. must read TDS. The same day we asked whether or not Smith should be replaced in the starting lineup for the Houston Rockets, he broke out of his slump in a major way. Smith went off for 28 points and 11 boards on 11-for-17 shooting from the field and 5-for-8 shooting from deep to lead the Rockets to a 125-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jabari Smith Jr. had a season-high 28 points with five 3-pointers and the Houston Rockets never trailed in a 125-104 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers in their NBA Cup opener.