Rockets' Jalen Green Focused on Play-In Tournament Race Amid Career Night vs. Wizards

Jalen Green had another phenomenal scoring performance against the Wizards but remains focused on helping the Houston Rockets keep pace in the Play-In Tournament race.

Whether inspired by his expanding family or motivated to help the Houston Rockets reach the Play-In Tournament for the first time in franchise history, Jalen Green is playing the best of his career.

The third-year guard tied his career-high with 42 points to lead the Rockets to a 137-114 victory over the Washington Wizards inside the Capital One Arena Tuesday night. He shot an efficient 12 of 21 from the field, 7 of 13 from behind the arc while recording 10 rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal in the victory. 

Green described his confidence as "high-level" after the game. His play was a small sample size of how he received his first Player of the Week honor before taking on the Wizards for the second time in a five-day stretch. 

Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles up the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

"It was a good feeling, it shows that the work is working, but that's not important," Green told reporters after the game. "We are chasing a goal to get into the Playoffs and Play-In Tournament. I am going to keep putting my head down and keep working."

The Rockets have won six consecutive games and eight of their previous 10. Houston has played some of its best ball as a team during the stretch. But outside of a 45-point eruption by Alperen Şengün on March 5, Green has taken the mantle as the Rockets' best player.

He has led the Rockets to their most impressive and successful run of the season, averaging 27.3 points on .480,.402,.833 shooting splits. His scoring performances began during the Rockets' two-game split against the Phoenix Suns, where he scored 34 points in back-to-back games inside the Footprint Center.

The respect Green has received from his opponents reached its pinnacle against the Wizards. He led the Rockets on a 29-8 run to close the third quarter. Green accounted for 15 points during the period. 

The Wizards changed their defensive strategy, holding Green to five points during the fourth quarter.

However, Green did not tone down his aggressiveness. Once the Wizards began to send a double-team, he used their defensive tactic to create plays for his teammates. It was a testament to Green's growth as an all-around player.

"I think he did good," coach Ime Udoka said. "He picked his spots. He knows to make the correct pass to the pocket; you are going to have the numbers. He was able to find Jock [Landale] and Jabari [Smith Jr.], and we were able to get layups or wide-open 3's. 

"If they are trying to take you out, you can be used a bit to get open looks. But there were times he rejected it and beat the double-team. He wasn't too aggressive to get around it and made the right plays. It showed his growth."    

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Behind Green's recent production, Houston's record has improved to 33-35 amid their ongoing push toward the Play-In Tournament. Following their victory against the Wizards, the Rockets are currently 2.5 games back of the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In Tournament spot in the Western Conference.

"The main goal is to keep building on the hot streets," Green said. "Building as consistent as possible. Affect the game in different ways, even when I am not scoring the ball well. I am getting guys involved and playing defense."