Third-year Rockets guard Jalen Green is the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week, and he tied his career-high with 42 points in Tuesday’s blowout victory at Washington.
Thanks to Green’s success, Houston (33-35) has won six straight games and is now 8-1 in March as it continues an improbable late-season run that could result in a West play-in tournament berth.
So, what changed? Sure, there were tactical tweaks by head coach Ime Udoka, such as playing at a faster pace since the All-Star break — which likely benefits an elite athlete like Green.
But there could also be other reasons. In Tuesday’s emotional on-court interview with Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, Green was asked postgame about what’s motivating him. The 22-year-old, drafted No. 2 overall in the 2021 first round, replied:
My family. My baby.
Green’s girlfriend, Draya Michele, announced on March 8 that she was 28 weeks pregnant. As it turns out, that’s also the day Green and the Rockets began their current six-game winning streak.
Green’s complete postgame interview can be viewed below.
#Rockets beat the Wizards 137-114
Jalen Green 42 POINTS (T-CAREER HIGH) & 10 REB@SportsVanessa with @JalenGreen after the @HoustonRockets WIN pic.twitter.com/SwK5ER3j8w
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) March 20, 2024
