After a rough playoff debut where he scored just seven points on 3-of-15 shooting, the 23-year-old Rockets guard exploded for 38 points in Game 2, leading Houston to a 109-94 win over the Golden State Warriors and leveling their first-round series at 1-1.
Green shot 13-of-25 from the field and hit 8-of-18 from three, a massive turnaround that proved crucial in a must-win scenario for the Rockets. But what sparked the bounce back? According to head coach Ime Udoka, it was all about simplifying the game.
“The message is, man, keep it simple. It’s just basketball,” Udoka told reporters after the game. “Once you get it out of the way, that first game, you do what you’ve been doing all year and your whole career.”
For Green, the pressure of playing in his first-ever playoff game may have played a role in his Game 1 struggles. After years of rebuilding seasons, this postseason marks new territory for both him and the Rockets. But Udoka’s calming message clearly resonated.
Green’s Resurgence Comes at the Perfect Time
Green’s late-season slump had many doubting whether he could deliver when it mattered most. In the final three regular season games, he averaged just 5.3 points on 18.8% shooting. Despite playing all 82 games—a rarity in today’s NBA—his rhythm seemed off.
That changed on Wednesday night.
From the opening tip, Green looked locked in, attacking with confidence and knocking down shots in rhythm. His performance helped mask the Rockets’ biggest weakness: scoring efficiently in half-court sets.
Advantage Houston?
With Golden State star Jimmy Butler now dealing with a pelvis contusion, Houston may suddenly find themselves in a more favorable position heading into Game 3. And if Jalen Green can maintain this level of play, the Rockets won’t just be a first-round threat—they’ll be a team no one wants to face.
One thing is certain: Game 2 proved that when Green is firing, Houston is dangerous.