Jalen Green posts a cryptic message on social media after being benched in 4th quarter for second consecutive game against the Pacers

Jalen Green was the first player to drafted straight from the NBA G-League.

Jalen Green posts a cryptic message on social media after being benched in 4th quarter for second consecutive game against the Pacers

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Jalen Green is focusing on his career (via NBC Sports)

Jalen Green, the second overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, is having a tough time in his third year as an NBA player. Before joining the league he was a consensus five-star recruit and the best shooting guard in the 2020 class, according to major recruiting services.

In the previous season, Green played and started 76 games, maintaining an average of 22.1 points, 3.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.8 steals with a 41.6% field goal percentage and a 33.8% success rate from beyond the arc. Anticipation was high for an improvement in his numbers this season. However, he is presently averaging 16.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, with a field goal percentage of 39.4% and a 3-point percentage of 31.9%.

In the Houston Rockets’ 123-117 Boxing Day defeat against the Indiana Pacers at home, Green had a challenging time once again, as he scored 5 points with 2/7 shooting with 3 failed 3-point attempts in 20 minutes. Additionally, he secured 1 rebound, provided 2 assists, and managed 1 steal. Consequently, Coach Ime Udoka decided to bench him for the rest of the fourth quarter. Following the game, Green took to Instagram, a popular social media platform, to share a cryptic message on his story. Notably, this marked his second consecutive benching in the middle of a game:

FS Video
Welp, this it..

High expectations surrounded Green when he entered the league through the draft. However, this season has witnessed a sharp and concerning decline in his performances. The Rockets find themselves in a precarious position, currently occupying the 8th spot in the Western Conference standings with a 15-13 record. Swift recovery of Green’s form is imperative for the team to maintain its competitive edge.

https://twitter.com/TheHooopCentral/status/1739856919248937333

Rockets’ two-game winning streak ended by the Indiana Pacers

The Rockets’ two-game winning streak came to a halt last night at the Toyota Center, courtesy of the visiting Indiana Pacers, who secured a 123-117 victory. This defeat not only marked the end of the Rockets’ positive run but also put an end to the Pacers’ two-game losing streak.

Houston Rockets players
Houston Rockets players (via Open Source/X)

Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers dominated the player statistics chart, showcasing an impressive performance with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. On the Rockets’ side, Alperen Sengun led the way with 30 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists.

The Indiana Pacers’ upcoming challenge involves a journey to the United Center in Chicago to take on the Chicago Bulls. Currently positioned 8th in the Eastern Conference standings, the Pacers look to navigate their path to further success in the league.

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