Houston Rockets shooting guard Jalen Green has been on a tear lately. Tallying 27 points, five assists, and two steals in a blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, he looked every bit like the player the Rockets expected to see when they took him with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Green has had these types of performances before. However, the overarching criticism is that he’s been too inconsistent and for good reason. Nonetheless, watching him play this month, there’s identifiable improvement in his mental processing and approach.
The game finally appears to be slowing down for the 22-year-old.
The Game’s Slowing Down for Jalen Green
Since Feb. 29, Green is averaging 26.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from 3 in what looks to be a sustainable style of play.
He’s been a determined finisher, getting to the basket at will. Once at the rim, he’s still unleashed a flurry of acrobatic finishes, but has been more controlled. More importantly, he’s recognized when to change his pace, accelerating at just the right time as he leaves his defenders in the dust. This patience has even been apparent in his playmaking, and he’s had a few noteworthy dimes as a tertiary playmaker. As a shooter, he’s had more balance as well, rising up vertically more often and shooting stepbacks a bit less.
On defense —on-ball, off-ball, and on the boards— he’s played with pronounced effort. His athletic tools have been of better use to him at this end with his improved attentiveness and aggression. With endless critiques being levied at Green, he’s met the challenge head-on, playing with a fire that has allowed the Rockets to power past their opponents.
The California Kid is Fired Up
Indeed, while the California kid has surfed through his Western Conference opponents, Houston looked like a well-oiled machine. Going 3-2 over their last five games, the Rockets’ most impressive victory during this stretch came against the Phoenix Suns on Mar. 2. Their second straight game against the MonStars-esque squad, Green was sensational with 34 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Dominant in all facets of the game, it was arguably the best game of his career.
Beal hits Jalen Green twice with the ball..
No flinch. https://t.co/RT1fH3Ybyu pic.twitter.com/lmv0alE5XG
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 3, 2024
His competitiveness in-between and outside of the lines was striking as well. Frustrated by Green’s defense, Suns veteran Bradley Beal tried to get under the young star’s skin. First, he attempted to get Green to flinch by faking as if he would hit the third-year pro with the ball. A move that inspired images of Matt Barnes and Kobe Bryant’s near-altercation in 2010.
With Green nonplussed, Beal decided to actually put his hands on him. Green took exception to that immediately. Forcefully pushing Beal back, Green flexed in the 3-time All-Star’s face, his passions ignited.
Changing the Narrative
If you’re Green, the current narrative about you is hard to stomach. While not considered a bust, a Sixth Man trajectory can’t be what he or the Rockets envisioned for his future. Nonetheless, if Green can bottle this lightning for the rest of the season and beyond, his reputation can do a complete 180.
It’s going to be easier said than done. After all, the NBA hosts 450 of the top basketball players in the world. However, Green is already arguably one of the top-25 players under 25.
As he reaches the zenith of his ability, he can climb even higher up the ranks.
