Digging into Jalen Green’s return for the Rockets

Breaking Down Jalen Green’s return 

Jalen Green’s performance against the Indiana Pacers was one of the best performances of his young NBA career. He scored 20 points, on 50-percent shooting from the field, 66.7-percent from 3-point range, and added two assists, two steals, and a block. The other positive note was that he only committed two turnovers. No small feat for a young player with a 29.7-percent usage rate. 

Green fought hard on defense and made some impressive plays. His positioning was suspect and his lack of strength can be exploited at times. However, both of those flaws are easily corrected with time. 

Digging into his shot chart, Green channeled his inner Stephen Curry and was absolutely lethal on long 3-pointers. The NBA 3-point line is 23 feet and nine inches from the rim. Six of Green’s nine 3-point attempts were from 26 feet or further, and he went a scorching five of six on those attempts. Green won’t continue to shoot 83.3-percent on long threes, but he doesn’t have to for those shots to be incredibly valuable. 

The threat of a deep three opens up the court for everyone else on offense, improving their efficiency, and creates driving lanes. It’s here where Green didn’t take full advantage. 

Green failed to get to the free throw line and only attempted two shots at the rim. Why Green wasn’t more aggressive attacking the rim is open for speculation. Was it because he’s still a little concerned about his hamstring? Is it just rust? Or was he so hot from distance that he made the mathematical decision to take three points over two? 

Next: Where Jalen Green has room for improvement