Author of 42 points against the Grizzlies on Monday night, Jalen Green equaled his career record. But it was not an isolated explosion, rather a confirmation of the very good start to the year offered by the young back of the Houston Rockets. With a Green at this level, the Rockets can really aim for the stars.
30 points per game, 51% shooting including more than 45% from 3-point range and 92% from free throws.
No, these are not the stats of Kevin Durant but those of Jalen Green in 2025. Of course, the sample is limited since we are only talking about six games in total, but that does not mean that it You have to ignore the boy’s great shape. Especially since his performances allowed Houston to win five games and take second place in the West.
Jalen Green continued his scorching hot streak & absolutely dominated on all cylinders tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Finished with:
• 42 PTS (72% FG, 5/6 3FG)
• 91.9 TS% (????)
• 4 ASTS
• 3 REBS
• 1 STL
Eye-popping explosiveness + tough shot making was on display. pic.twitter.com/yiTvrLhqk6
— Recruits Zone (Blake Smith) (@recruitszone) https://twitter.com/recruitszone/status/1879027004189942037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
We all remember Jalen Green’s great performances at the end of last season, when he chained offensive cards to allow Houston to believe in the Playoffs. These offensive explosions had reminded everyone of the enormous potential and talent of the 22-year-old guard.
The difference is that Alperen Sengun was injured at the time, opening up offensive opportunities for Green. Today, Jalen is a hit while Alpi East on the ground. Green found his rhythm by mixing aggression and efficiency, all while remaining within the solid collective built by Ime Udoka. And that’s what makes the Rockets even more dangerous than before.
Jalen Green torched the Grizzlies for 42 points on Monday and reached a new production and efficiency level in January.
Green’s growth is boosting the Rockets. Can he stay on his current flight path?@KellyIko examines ⤵️https://t.co/sAHQ8vLZlK pic.twitter.com/975vdx71zJ
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1879176201543295024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Buoyed by their great defensive solidity this season, in which Jalen Green participates, the Rockets have changed dimension to join the top of the table in the West. However, Houston sometimes showed real limits and an overly predictable side in attack. Particularly on half-court, especially in money-time. The Fred VanVleet – Alperen Sengun connection is certainly solid but it could lack creativity, explosiveness, to take the opposing defenses by default.
Bring in Jalen Green.
Author of a not crazy first part of the season in attack despite some flashes (19 points on average at 40% shooting including 32% at 3-points before the transition to 2025), Jalen was part of the problem. Paradoxically, it is also he who holds part of the solution.
Green has the talent and athleticism to penetrate almost any NBA defense. Against the Grizzlies, Top 7 in defensive efficiency this year, he performed a series of brilliant actions to break the enemy’s barrier: penetrations, change of pace, aggressiveness in transition, big finishes near the circle… Even two-man takes / blitz at the end of the match did not succeed in slowing down the phenomenon. On the contrary, it allowed his Rockets teammates (hello Amen Thompson) to have space and great offensive opportunities.
So of course, Jalen Green already had all these qualities before, but he learned to use them better. He has gained maturity in his game. He knows how to better seize opportunities, which are becoming more and more numerous at the moment (21 shots per match in 2025, only 16 during the rest of the season). And when he is skilled with his outside shooting, Green simply becomes unstoppable.
“Obviously, his ability to score stands out. He tied his career high (against Memphis), but he also took care of the ball. When you score that much, defenses come after you more and more, and he’s gotten used to that.” – Ime Udoka, Rockets coach
The question now is whether Jalen Green can remain consistent in such performances and continue to play with the same efficiency. We know that he is capable of blowing hot and cold, but we also know his talent. Within the current Rockets team, we say that he is well enough surrounded to reach this famous milestone allowing him to one day become an All-Star in the NBA.
If he succeeds in the coming weeks, Houston will clearly not be good to take in the Playoffs.
Source déclaration : The Athletic
