Rockets celebrate as Jabari Smith Jr. beats Pelicans at buzzer

For the most part, the 2022-23 NBA season hasn’t been one to remember for the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets. But they’ve suddenly won three straight games and five of eight, overall — and courtesy of Jabari Smith Jr., they have their signature moment.

In Friday’s home win at Toyota Center, Smith continued his memorable March by burying a deep 3-pointer with only 0.4 seconds left, lifting the Rockets to a 114-112 win over New Orleans.

It was a wild scene on the court, in the stands, and across social media as Smith’s shot proved to be a dagger to the Pelicans (33-37), who remain in the Western Conference playoff race.

The Rockets (18-52) still have the worst record in the West, of course. But their season is about building for the future, and there are suddenly some very promising signs for 2023-24 and beyond.

Here’s how the scene played out in the immediate aftermath. Judging by the reactions, it will be remembered for quite some time.