“Last Thing We Worried About”: Jalen Green Reacts To Blow Out Win vs Jazz That Reignited NBA Play-Offs Dream

The Houston Rockets came together for a blowout 147-119 victory over the Utah Jazz in what is their eighth straight win. Jalen Green erupted for a game-high 41 points at Toyota Center as the Jazz held no chance against a fiery Rockets team. He was just one point shy of his season-high as Fred VanVleet joined him to take their team on a runaway win.

Talking to Houston’s sideline reporter Vannessa Richardson, Green talks about what helped them get them going. “It’s defense. That’s the main part…Offense, not even; that’s the last thing we worried about. So it’s really good defense and just really being aggressive and staying together.”

It was a game of season highs and records for the Rockets. VanVleet tied the franchise record for three-pointers, knocking down 10 from downtown. He further tallied a season-high 34 points while dishing out seven assists, and grabbing three rebounds. The veteran guard and Green came together for 75 of the total points. Aside from VanVleet, Jeff Green also posted a season-high 21 points off the bench.

The Jazz was without Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, but they started strong, only for Houston to take off with a 20-3 run that resulted in a 40-19 lead. And unsurprisingly, Jalen and Fred shone during the breakout. The two of them combined for 16 points with Green hitting a jumper, a trey, and an alley-oop dunk. As for VanVleet, the point guard hit three triples in that time.

With that, the Rockets finished the first quarter 47-21, just one point shy of the Pelicans for the highest first-quarter points this season.

Jalen Green joins Rockets’ veterans in solidifying run

In his third season now, Jalen Green is averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on 54.4% true shooting in 2023-24. The Rockets entered this season with serious goals for their team. And it was obvious with the addition of veterans like VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks and the hiring of hard-nosed coach, Ime Udoka.

Read More: 22YO Jalen Green Makes 1st Public Admission Of Becoming A Father Since Draya’s Pregnancy Rumors Broke Out

With Houston preparing to build a contending team around Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun’s breakout was a welcome surprise. But with the center encountering multiple injuries, Green has assumed the role quite well.

The 22-year-old is averaging 34.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 56.5% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc. As Green mentioned to Richardson, his veteran teammates’ advice was to just keep shooting when he got hot. But he also credited his recent surge to his soon-to-be-born baby girl and family.

Whatever Jalen’s motivation is, it has given a hope for a playoff berth. The Rockets are just 1.5 games behind the Warriors for the 10th position. Though a long run to the top, continued momentum might keep the Rockets’ hopes alive.