Dorian Finney-Smith is navigating a challenging return season while now facing a familiar opponent, as the Houston Rockets trail the Los Angeles Lakers 1-0 in their first-round playoff series.
The veteran forward described this season as a major adjustment while working back from injury. “It’s been probably the most challenging just because I’m coming off of a major injury,” Finney-Smith told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
He said the lack of a full offseason has affected his rhythm on the court. “I’ve never been hurt in my career so I’ve just been trying to find my rhythm. I didn’t get to train this summer,” he said. “It’s tough, you know? I feel like my shots have been blocked so many times, you know?”
Despite the struggles, the Rockets’ locker room has helped him stay aggressive within the offense. “But it’s been fun though, man,” Finney-Smith said. “We got a great group of guys and they keep telling me to shoot regardless to get results so that’s a dope ass feeling.”
Houston enters Game 2 after a 107-98 loss in Game 1, where execution in half-court sets and shot efficiency played a role. Finney-Smith’s role as a floor spacer and defender remains important, especially against a Lakers group led by Luka Doncic.
Finney-Smith reflected on his history with Doncic, dating back to their time together earlier in his career. “I wouldn’t say that I was part of it, but I was there before he came… that’s my dog, though,” he said.
He also detailed their reunion in Los Angeles and how he helped Doncic adjust after a major transition. “Oh that was dope,” Finney-Smith said. “I feel like I give him that comfort, you know? Being in a new place; it’s his first time getting traded and I’ve been traded before already so I’m kind of like a voice in his ear that he knows that he can trust.”
The forward added that his growth this season has come from studying elite players, including Doncic and LeBron James. “I would say just how much I approach the game,” he said. “I learned a lot from watching guys — I got a chance to pick their brains and take what I like what they do and apply it to my game.”
Finney-Smith also pointed to Doncic’s mindset as a key takeaway. “The way that Luka attacks his workouts and Luka’s mindset with the way he has fun with the game,” he said.
