Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka Explains Benching Jalen Green vs. Golden State Warriors

Following their 121-116 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka explains his decision to bench Jalen Green during the fourth quarter.

The Houston Rockets dropped their third consecutive game in a 121-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors. And amid the loss inside the Chase Center Monday night, the Rockets closed their three-game California road trip without a win.

The Rockets tried to make a late-game push to complete a come-from-behind victory. But while the Rockets fought during the fourth quarter, Jalen Green spent the entire period watching from the sideline.

Green's benching was a bit surprising, given that he scored nine of his 16 points in the third quarter.

"The group we had was playing better," coach Ime Udoka said. "They had a good spark there. They scored 35 points during that quarter, and I liked the energy."

Rockets guard Jalen Green drives against Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) during the third quarter at Chase Center / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

After scoring 25 points during the Rockets' In-Season Tournament victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, there's been a decline in Green's production. He has scored less than 10 points in two of the Rockets' previous four games, averaging 13.5 points on .278/.250/.857 shooting splits.

Before his struggles, Green was having a solid start to the season, averaging 20.3 points on .449/.415./.750 shooting splits. His best game of the season took place during the Rockets' 34-point victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 28 points inside the Toyota Center.

Udoka's decision to sit Green during the fourth quarter against Golden State marked the second time he benched a starting player. Udoka's first benching came in victories against the Pelicans and Denver Nuggets, where Jabari Smith Jr. watched nearly the entire final period from the sideline.

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