Amid the Houston Rockets’ 48-point first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend, the return of Jabari Smith Jr. — and more importantly, Ime Udoka’s utilization of the third-year big — was a reminder of his value.

It doesn’t matter about when you start,” Jabari Smith Jr. tells Rockets Wire of his mindset. “It matters what you do when you get in the game.”

Jabari Smith Jr. has been out since Jan. 3 with a broken hand. The Rockets sorely missed his rebounding and versatility but now face a starting lineup decision.

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., who broke his left hand during a shootaround Jan. 3, returned with 15 points and nine rebounds in an overtime win over the Timberwolves.