Jalen Green comes of age
Many expected stardom at some point in Jalen Green’s career, but he seemingly took a step back earlier this season with uninspiring play. Of note is a nine-game stretch in December in which he averaged 11.6 points — about half his 2022-23 per-game scoring — on a brutal 30.5 percent from the field.
Green had another mini slump filling the All-Star break, but he might just be the hottest player in the league since. Starting with a 34-point performance in Phoenix on February 29, he is averaging 27.3 points per game over a 10-game stretch. Not always the most accurate guy from the arc, he made a respectable 40.2% of his 3-pointers during that span.
Green, 22, received the NBA West Player of the Week award on Monday and marked the occasion with a monstrous 42-point, 11-rebound effort against Washington on Tuesday. And he’s not done yet – not with the Warriors and Lakers in his sights.
“We are pursuing a goal to make the playoffs and the Play-In tournament,” he said after the victory. “I’m going to keep putting my head down and working.”
Lakers-Rockets must happen
As much as the NBA world would love a Steph-LeBron matchup for all the marbles (or at least the marbles that go to a play-in winner), James and his team taking on the Rockets would be more intriguing. If this seems strange to you, then you didn’t see what happened between the young people Houston and LA loaded with veterans this season.
These two teams have had many very heated moments this season, with their latest meeting featuring another in a long line of matchups between LeBron and Dillon Brooks. Brooks slapped James in the face during that 135-119 victory in Houston, leaving LeBron on the ground for several minutes while the practice squad tended to him.
Asked about the flagrant foul after the game, James responded, “Next question,” clearly annoyed by another Brooks-induced incident.
Earlier in the same game, Los Angeles forward Jarred Vanderbilt was ejected for attacking Brooks. Clearly, the Rockets’ antagonist is getting the attention of the Lakers.
The same goes for Houston head coach Ime Udoka, who had exchanges with LeBron that led to his own ejection during a clash in early December. The audio from this moment tells the story better than ever, so enjoy this recap.
This is a budding rivalry that could reach another level if they face each other in a play-in scenario.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka is kicked out after insulting LeBron and a breakdown pic.twitter.com/TL0VXD8Z8v
– Jomboy (@Jomboy_) December 4, 2023
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Questions of the day
What else is working for the Rockets?
Much of Houston’s game plays out (albeit against several lesser opponents). Most notable is the dominance in the turnover department. The Rockets are averaging just 10.7 during their six-game winning streak, compared to their opponents’ 13.3.
What’s on the horizon for this team?
After the next home game, Houston will play three of its next four games on the road, including visits to Oklahoma City and Minnesota. There is a home game against Golden State on April 4 that could have huge implications.
Odds and predictions contained in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the event takes place.
