The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128-111, with Jalen Green exploding for a super performance. He shot 12 of 21 from the field, including 6 of 11 from three-point range, scoring 30 points with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, with a plus-minus of +30. Over the past 11 games, Jalen Green's state has indeed been improving. His awakening game was against Philadelphia where he scored 41 points. After entering December, the Rockets faced several strong teams, and Green's performance was inconsistent, playing well in some games and poorly in others. Against the Kings, Green scored 28 points, but in two games against the Warriors, he only managed 14 and 12 points, followed by two games against the Thunder where he scored 9 and 12 points.
However, surprisingly, against the Clippers, Jalen Green efficiently scored 31 points and 4 rebounds, followed by two games against the Pelicans where he scored 34 and 30 points. Over the past 11 games, Jalen Green averaged 22 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, with a shooting percentage of 47.2%, a three-point percentage of 36%, and a true shooting percentage of an impressive 60.2%, with a cumulative plus-minus of +36. This means that when Jalen Green averages 22 points per game, the Rockets can improve their win rate even if his shooting percentage is not as high as 47%, but rather around 45% and 36%.
The Rockets' defensive efficiency and average points allowed are among the top three in the league this year, but their offense is only average. This is where they desperately need Jalen Green's firepower. A team that needs offense cannot have a shooting guard averaging less than 20 points; it's unacceptable. This season, Jalen Green is averaging 19.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, with a shooting percentage of 41.3% and a three-point percentage of 32.2%. If Jalen Green can maintain his recent 11-game performance throughout the season, the Rockets have a chance to finish second in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season.
Jalen Green is not just a stat-padder; when he scores high and performs well, the team actually wins. For example, in March this year, he averaged 28 points, leading the Rockets to an 11-game winning streak. Just look at LaMelo Ball in Charlotte, who averages 30 points but still can't win games, which speaks volumes. In the 11 games where Jalen Green averaged 22 points, the Rockets have achieved an 8-3 record. Houston journalist Ben DuBose believes that Jalen Green determines the Rockets' ceiling, and he must become the team's Alexander, which is the fundamental difference between the Rockets and the Thunder.
The Rockets already have a perfect lineup, with Dillon, Smith, Ison, and Amen as the four major frontcourt defenders, along with sixth man Whitmore, and interior player Shen Jing. The Rockets have abundant defensive resources and can hold down many teams, but their offense always falls short. Jalen Green is the first in talent on the Rockets, with a historically fast first step. He is currently the only player from the 21st draft class to score 5,000 points, and Jalen Green has another talent similar to Harden's - he is very durable.
Looking at Cunningham's injury history over the past few years, as well as Banchero from Orlando, Zion from New Orleans, and Holmgren from Oklahoma City, the Rockets have been quite successful in the draft in recent years. Jalen Green is the most durable, followed by Smith, who is also very healthy, and Amen, who has been healthy so far after recovering from an injury last season. The Rockets' high draft picks are all durable, except for Ison, who is slightly fragile because his template is Leonard. This is why Rocket fans expect so much from Green - his super endurance ability, once he gets it, he will take off. Just as Van Jordan analyzed after the game today, how Jalen Green performs offensively affects the Rockets' win rate.
Van Jordan said in an interview with reporter Tanner Nichols: "When Jalen Green enters offensive mode, our team gains a lot of energy and confidence. If we want to go further, we need Jalen Green to maintain this state."
The inconsistency in Green's performance is his problem. Why has everyone recently lost patience with Sheppard, and even unwilling to mention him? It's because Sheppard hasn't had a decent game since the start of the season. On the other hand, Jalen Green always gives you a sweet surprise when you think he's not good enough, and then he disappoints you again when you think he's doing well. Currently, both the number of times scoring 30+ points and 40+ points, Jalen Green is the most in the 21st draft class, making him both loved and hated.