Jalen Green said the Houston Rockets’ hot streak would be meaningless if they fail to make the NBA playoffs, after scoring 41 points in Saturday’s 147-119 loss to the Utah Jazz .
The Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games – their longest streak since an identical streak in 2019 – to improve to 35-35, 1.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors, who currently occupy the last Play-In spot of the Western Conference.
Green’s second 40-point performance of the year was buoyed by Fred VanVleet, who scored 34 points with 10 3-pointers as Houston built a sizable lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Asked about the team’s progress in the standings after the game, Green said, “It really won’t mean anything if we don’t make the playoffs.
“That’s the goal that everyone has right now. I’m just trying to go out there and be the best version of myself for my teammates.”
The start of the second quarter saw Houston forward Jabari Smith Jr. and Jazz guard Kris Dunn ejected for fighting, with the duo throwing punches at each other after tangling with just five seconds of the quarter played .
Smith did not speak to the media after the game, although Dunn accepted responsibility for his actions, telling reporters: “We exchanged a few words, a few pushes and the next thing you know, we’re ejected.
“For me, I take responsibility for my actions and no matter what the league decides for me, I have to respect that.”
Rockets coach Ime Udoka suggested the incident followed an altercation between the two on Jan. 20, when both men received technical fouls during a 127-126 overtime Houston win.
“I think Dunn hit him with one shot, and then they wrapped up and threw a few punches,” Udoka said of Smith’s role in the altercation.
“Basically nothing landed, but as soon as you throw a punch, you’re going to get thrown out.”
Houston is back in action with another home game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, before traveling to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah in a two-game road stretch.
The 29-42 Jazz, meanwhile, will look to end their five-game losing streak against the Dallas Mavericks as they open a three-game series at home on Monday.
