Rockets' Jalen Green Shines vs. Suns Despite Battling Illness

Despite coming into Phoenix battling an illness, Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green had one of his best performances of the season.

Jalen Green was on the verge of missing his first game of the season. He came into Phoenix battling an illness and was questionable ahead of the Houston Rockets' contest against the Suns. 

He missed shootaround Thursday morning and spent the entire day drinking water and electrolytes. The results led to Green scoring a team-best 34 points amid the Rockets' 110-105 defeat to the Suns.

Despite being sick, Green had one of his best performances of the 2023-24 season. It marked the seventh time this year he scored 30 or more points. And an addition to his scoring, it was an all-around production for Green, as he added five rebounds and three steals.

Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Green was in an offensive rhythm during that stretch, but the Rockets' pace played a significant role in his success. Houston played at a faster pace against the Suns. And each time the Rockets up the tempo this season, Green has been able to excel.

"I was just being aggressive," Green said. "My shot was falling. I could not get any calls at the rim. But I just stayed aggressive. Getting the ball off the glass and getting out and running, even when my teammates were rebounding, they were looking for me in transition. I feel like that's when I am at my best."

The 2023-24 season has been an up-and-down year for Green. But his play in Phoenix illustrated why the 21-year-old guard is still vital to the Rockets' foundation and why they should play an offensive style that allows Green to utilize his athleticism and speed.

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After falling to the Suns, the Rockets current losing streak extended to three. But more importantly, Houston remains one of the league's worst road teams. They have notched a 5-24 record on the road while extending their road losing streak to nine.

Houston's last road victory came on Jan. 26 in a 138-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Green scored a season-high 36 points on 12 of 20 shooting inside the Spectrum Center.