In the wake of a strong performance in Game 2, Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green reflected on his struggles in the first game of the Western Conference playoffs against the Golden State Warriors. Green, who scored just seven points on 3-of-15 shooting in the opener, admitted that the magnitude of his first playoff appearance affected his performance.
“It was more so mindset,” Green said, recalling the intensity of Game 1. “The lights were bright, the crowd was here, and the court looked huge. My legs were a little shaky, but that’s part of it.” Despite the jitters, Green was determined to bounce back.
His resolve was evident in Game 2, where he led the Rockets to a 109-94 victory with 38 points, including eight three-pointers. Houston evened the series 1-1, with Green’s shooting and aggressive play taking center stage.
“From the beginning, my whole mindset today was to be aggressive and get back to being myself,” Green said, as he helped the Rockets build a dominant 60-46 halftime lead.
His hot shooting, coupled with strong performances from Alperen Sengun (17 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists), powered the team to a commanding victory.
The game was particularly meaningful for Green, who had a rough start in the postseason but embraced the challenge. “I’m glad we got the win,” he acknowledged. “The job’s not done yet, we still have to go to the Bay and handle business.”
Green’s turnaround was a crucial factor in Houston’s success. After struggling in the opener, he executed better against Golden State’s defense in Game 2.
He also reflected on missed opportunities in Game 1, acknowledging that he hadn’t made the same reads as usual. “I knew how they were going to guard me,” Green said. “It was just a matter of getting my rhythm back.”
The game was also highlighted by some tense moments, with Green being called for a flagrant foul on Draymond Green in the fourth quarter. Despite the physical play, Green remained focused on helping his team close out the win.
The series now heads to San Francisco for Game 3, with the Rockets and Warriors both aiming to seize momentum. With Green finding his rhythm and Sengun continuing to play at a high level, Houston will be looking to take control of the series on the road.
