Jalen Green’s monster 3-0 week for Houston earns him NBA award as Rockets fight for play-in tourney

In Houston, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Rockets experienced a setback when rising star Alperen Sengun suffered an injury on March 10, halting their momentum after winning four out of five games.

However, despite this setback, the Rockets’ aspirations of competing in the play-in tournament and potentially making the NBA playoffs remained alive, according to Jalen Green’s perspective. Green, named the league’s Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday, played a pivotal role in the team’s recent success.

The 22-year-old guard showcased his talent by averaging 26 points per game in victories against San Antonio, Washington, and Cleveland over the past week. These wins contributed to Houston’s impressive record of 7-1 in the previous eight games, extending their winning streak to five games.

Green’s recognition as the Player of the Week marked the second such award for the Rockets this season, following Sengun’s acknowledgment as the West Player of the Week two and a half months earlier. Notably, Houston had not received a Player of the Week honor since 2019.

Coincidentally, another Jalen, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on the same day. Brunson led his team to a 3-0 record during the week.

Despite individual accolades, head coach Ime Udoka’s team remains focused on securing a spot in the playoffs through the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. Currently, the Rockets hold the 11th position in the standings, trailing the 10th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers by 3.5 games with 15 games remaining in the season. The top seven to ten seeds qualify for the play-in tournament before the playoffs.

Having missed the playoffs in the last three seasons, the Rockets are determined to change their fortunes. They are set to face the Washington Wizards on the road before returning for a three-game homestand against the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, and Portland Trail Blazers.

The Rockets’ final game of the season is scheduled against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 14.