Title: Jalen Green's Sizzling Performance Boosts Rockets' Second Seat Position
The Rockets are on a roll once more, streaking to a 3-0 past week. They now stand at 25-12, keeping a comfortable two-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies for the Western Conference's second seed. On Sunday, they bested the Los Angeles Lakers, 119-115. On Tuesday, they obliterated the struggling Washington Wizards, 135-112. Then, on Thursday, they visited Memphis and triumphed over their rivals, the Grizzlies, 119-115. Due to unfavorable weather conditions in Atlanta, Saturday's game was postponed.
The Rockets return to Toyota Center on Monday, with a Grizzlies team eager for revenge on their heels. On Wednesday, they journey to Denver in a contest that contrasts the Rockets' center, Alperen Sengun, against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. On Thursday, the Rockets head to Sacramento to face a Kings team currently on a six-game winning streak. Lastly, on Saturday, they visit Portland to battle the thirteenth-seeded Blazers.
Without the consistent presence of power forward Jabari Smith Jr., who has been out with a broken non-shooting hand, the Rockets have been soaring. As of now, they rank fifth in net rating (+6.2), third in defensive rating (107.0), and eleventh in offensive rating (113.2). Although their offensive numbers had been mediocre throughout the season, the Rockets have recently begun trending upwards and competing in the top ten league-wide.
Green's Shooting Star Ascent
Jalen Green, the Rockets' starting shooting guard, has been in stellar form recently, playing a vital role in the team's victories. Green has been consistently strong over his career, but there have been periods of inconsistency and dips in performance. However, the former second overall pick seems to be in the midst of another potent stretch.
This season, Green averages 20.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 41.9% overall from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. Particularly impressively, in the past four games, Green has impressively scored 29.0 points, 46.7% shot from the field, and 43.8% from three-point range, on average. Notably, these top-tier performances have come against strong competition: Boston, Los Angeles, and Memphis. Some believe that forward Amen Thompson, who started in the lineup in place of Smith, might be contributing to Green's success in the first team.
Before this impressive barrage of games, Green averaged only 18.2 points, with a shooting percentage of 41.2% overall and 32.3% from three-point range.
As the Rockets notch more wins and secure their place in the standings, and as the Kings' recent surge continues, the likelihood of the team pulling off a major blockbuster trade at the deadline reduces. With Green's newfound form, the Rockets hope that this hot streak signals a more stable future for the young shooting guard.
The Rockets' impressive run in sports has also translated into significant financial gains for the team, as increased attendance and merchandise sales boost their business revenue. Another potential business opportunity arises as the Rockets' rising star, Jalen Green, attracts more sponsorships and endorsements due to his improved performance.
