2021 NBA Summer League: Houston Rockets No. 2 pick Jalen Green showcases scoring ability in debut

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Jalen Green (Houston Rockets) Summer League

Jalen Green came into the NBA as a scorer and it didn't take long for him to show exactly what he'll bring the Houston Rockets, impressing in his Summer League debut. 

In an 84-76 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Green poured in 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting and 4-of- 9 from the 3-point line, adding five rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes of action.

Green displayed a strong combination of offensive moves, showcasing his off-the-dribble game to get the rim and create shots for himself from beyond the arc. 

At the end of the first quarter, he wound down the clock and slithered through the Cavs defence for the layup to beat the buzzer. 


He will likely be tasked with being one of the Rockets' primary scoring options from the jump and his mix of getting downhill and step back 3-pointers gives Houston fans every reason to be excited about the former G League Ignite standout. 

After trailing 41-40 at the half, Green quickly hit back-to-back 3-pointers to set the Rockets on course to open up a lead and hold on for the win.


“The ultimate goal for the G League Ignite was to be a pro and learn the game as much as we can before we head up to the NBA,” Green said post-game. “I think we accomplished that. We learned how to be a pro on and off the court. I think I showed it tonight.”

On the other side of the floor, No. 3 overall pick Evan Mobley made his Summer League debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks, shooting 6-of-17 from the field in 28 minutes. 

"I was super excited to play my first game," Mobley told reporters post-game. "I haven't played in a very long time since college and I wanted to shake some rust off there."

Green and the Rockets will be back in action on Tuesday in a marquee matchup against No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons from 9:00 p.m. ET.

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.