Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been coping with persistent discomfort in his left ankle since undergoing surgery during the offseason, according to Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle. Despite the ongoing pain and inconsistent performance after his return, Finney-Smith remains thankful for the opportunity to play.
Challenges and Gratitude Amidst a Difficult Return
Finney-Smith acknowledged his own high expectations but expressed appreciation for simply being back on the court.
“Of course, me being me, I expect more but I’m just happy to be back out there on the court,”
he said. He also highlighted the support from his teammates during this tough stretch, stating,
“Got great teammates who [have had] my back even though I haven’t been shooting the ball as well as I want to. But you got to take your wins and my win is that I’ve been back on the court.”
Performance Struggles Mark Limited Playing Time
Since rejoining the Rockets’ lineup, the veteran forward has struggled to regain his previous form. In 26 games off the bench, Finney-Smith is posting career-low averages of 3.0 points and 2.6 rebounds over 16.7 minutes per contest. This highlights the difficulties he faces while adapting to playing through pain.
Upcoming Outlook for Finney-Smith and the Rockets
Though his current statistics reflect the challenges caused by his injury, Finney-Smith’s presence adds value to the Rockets’ roster as they contend in the NBA. His resilience and support from teammates will be crucial in the coming months as he aims to improve his game and contribute more consistently.
Southwest Notes: Barnes, Flagg, Poulakidas, Finney-Smith https://t.co/4THoMfVeYs pic.twitter.com/bOhrvJeZjN
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 4, 2026
