Jalen Green Explodes for Career-Best Performance: How the Rockets’ Phenom Is Redefining Houston’s Future

PHOENIX – Jalen Green’s first game back in the Phoenix Suns’ starting lineup after the All-Star break could not have come at a better time. With Devin Booker sidelined by a right ankle sprain against the San Antonio Spurs, head coach Mike Budenholzer tapped Green to start at shooting guard, ending a three-week stretch in which the explosive scorer was limited by hip and hamstring soreness. Green responded by attacking early, pouring in 12 first-half points and flashing the first-step burst that made him the No. 2 overall pick in 2021. Although Phoenix ultimately fell 121-94, the 24-year-old’s return to form offers a critical scoring outlet alongside Kevin Durant as the Suns (32-24) begin a daunting post-break schedule. “The hamstring feels good—I’m cleared to push it,” Green told reporters pre-game, adding that the medical staff will still monitor his minutes for another week. The timing is significant for fantasy basketball managers and Suns fans alike. Before the setback, Green averaged 18.7 points and 3.1 threes over his previous seven games and shot 43 percent from deep in February. Phoenix needs that spacing while Booker recovers, and Budenholzer hinted the lineup change could stick if Green maintains his two-way effort. The guard logged deflections on consecutive possessions in the second quarter, drawing praise from Durant: “When JG locks in defensively, our ceiling rises.” Green’s resurgence also revives intrigue around last summer’s blockbuster that sent him and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix after four seasons with Houston. The Suns envisioned Green as a secondary creator who could ease Booker’s burden; injuries have delayed that vision, but Thursday’s burst reminded observers why general manager James Jones absorbed Green’s $33 million salary through 2027. Key search terms: “Jalen Green injury update,” “Jalen Green fantasy basketball,” “Phoenix Suns starting lineup,” and “Jalen Green return vs Spurs.” Expect traffic spikes around game days as fans track Booker’s status and Green’s minute allocation. With Phoenix set to host the league-leading Nuggets on Saturday, another strong outing could cement Green’s role—and propel the Suns’ playoff push—just as Google searches for his name reach a season high.