Jalen Green Scores Season-High in Rockets Win vs. Wizards

Jalen Green scored a season-high 37 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 135-119 victory over the Washington Wizards.

HOUSTON -- Reggie Bullock Jr. did not shy away from revealing that the Houston Rockets are keeping track of the Play-In Tournament race. And entering Thursday's interconference game against the Washington Wizards, the Rockets came into the Toyota Center four and a half games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final spot.

The Rockets got closer to catching the Warriors following their 135-119 victory over the Wizards. With the win, Houston extended their winning streak to four while coming away victorious in six of their previous seven games. 

Jalen Green scored a season-high 37 points on an efficient 15 of 22 shooting from the field, 5 of 9 from behind the arc. He scored 17 points during the first half. His play led to the Rockets holding a 75-56 lead over the Wizards entering the halftime break.

ockets guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates with forward Amen Thompson (1) after a play during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Green wasn't alone in his dominating performance against Washington. Amen Thompson put on a show against the Wizards by adding 20 points to go along with 10 rebounds and two assists in the win. He scored 12 points during the first quarter, which helped Houston take a 33-31 lead into the second period. 

Green and Thompson were two of six players who scored in double figures for Houston. Fred VanVleet finished with 27 points and nine assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 points and five rebounds.

Jock Landale had his second consecutive impactful performance in the absence of Alperen Şengün. He came off the bench and played 25 minutes. Landale finished with 13 points and five rebounds in the win.

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Jordan Poole led the Wizards in scoring with a team-high 25 points, while Deni Avdija finished with 24 points. Kyle Kuzma finished with 23 points. The Wizards have now dropped 18 of their previous 20 games.