Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green doesn’t care about what’s happening outside of his own team. Jalen Green doesn’t echo the Warriors star’s sentiments.
The Rockets are breathing down the Warriors’ necks for the final play-in spot in the West. Houston is just a half game back of Golden State entering Tuesday’s contests. The 36-34 Warriors hold the tiebreaker over their rivals, but the 36-35 Rockets have made up some serious ground over the month of March.
Following the Warriors’ 114-110 loss to the Timberwolves, Green was asked Sunday about what he thought about Houston’s recent rise in the standings. The Warriors star was clearly in no mood to discuss the Rockets in any way, shape, or form.
Houston Rockets Guard Jalen Green Gets Honest On Play-In Race With Golden State Warriors
Unlike the Warriors’ Green, the Rockets’ Jalen Green admitted that he’s unabashedly scoreboard watching. Green was asked about how closely he was paying attention to the standings after the Rockets’ Monday win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
“I’m looking at it everyday,” Jalen Green said. “I was watching the Warriors last night. We’re making a push.”
Green also confirmed that he would be watching Golden State as they take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
“Yeah, for sure. Come on,” Green replied with a smile.
Green said the same thing when asked whether other teams should start being wary of the surging Rockets.
After the Rockets 9th straight win, I asked Jalen Green if other teams should be paying attention.
With a smirk “yeah, for sure.” pic.twitter.com/GofrHadOW8
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) March 26, 2024
Jalen Green Has Been The Breakout Star For The Houston Rockets’ Recent Run
Jalen Green has every reason to feel confident given how well he’s played of late. The Rockets guard earned his first Player of the Week nod this month and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
Jalen Green just won his first career Western Conference player of the week award ⭐️
26.3 PTS
8.6 REB
49.2 FG%
45.8 3P%The #Rockets were 3-0. pic.twitter.com/0ikaFqFa7u
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 18, 2024
In his first 12 games in March, Green has posted averages of 27.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His efficiency has also shot up with a 49.6% shooting clip from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc. It’s hard to imagine that the Rockets actually dangled Green at the trade deadline for a different young star.
The Rockets have won nine straight games and are 11-1 over their last 12 games. Houston and Golden State both have relatively tough schedules to close out the year. That makes their April 4 clash that much more significant in terms of which team can ultimately secure the final play-in spot in the West.
