Houston Rockets shooting guard Green Jalen has been on a tear lately. Collecting 27 points, five assists and two steals in a blowout victory against the Portland Trail Blazers On Friday, he looked every bit like the player the Rockets expected to see when they selected him with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Green has had this type of performance before. However, the main criticism is that it has been too inconsistent and for good reason. However, watching him play this month, there is an identifiable improvement in his mental processing and approach.
The game finally seems to be slowing down for the 22-year-old.
The game slows down to Green Jalen
Since February 29, Green is averaging 26.6 points, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.0% from 3 in what seems to be an enduring style of play.
He was a determined finisher, getting to the basket at will. Once at the edge, he again unleashed a series of acrobatic finishes, but was more controlled. More importantly, he knows when to change pace, accelerating at just the right time while leaving his defenders in the dust. That patience even showed in his play, and he had some notable dimes as a tertiary playmaker. As a shooter, he also has more balance, rising vertically more often and shooting backwards a little less.
On defense – on the ball, off-ball and on the boards – he played with pronounced effort. His athletic tools served him better for this purpose thanks to his improved focus and aggression. With endless criticism leveled at Green, he met the challenge head on, playing with a fire that allowed the Rockets to outscore their opponents.
The California Kid is excited
Indeed, while the California kid outplayed his Western Conference opponents, Houston looked like a well-oiled machine. Going 3-2 in their last five games, the Rockets’ most impressive win during that stretch came against the Phoenix Suns on March 2. In their second straight game against the MonStars type team, Green was sensational with 34 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Dominant in all facets of the game, it was undoubtedly the best match of his career.
With Green baffled, Beal decided to lay hands on him. Green immediately objected. Forcefully pushing Beal away, Green relented in the face of the three-time All-Star, his passions ignited.
Change the narrative
If you are green, the current story about you is difficult to digest. While not considered a failure, the trajectory of a sixth man may not be what he or the Rockets envisioned for his future. Still, if Green can bottle this lightning bolt for the rest of the season and beyond, his reputation can do a complete 180.
This is going to be easier said than done. After all, the NBA is home to 450 of the best basketball players in the world. However, Green is already arguably one of Top 25 under 25.
When he reaches the zenith of his abilities, he can climb the ranks even further.
