Jalen Green was supposed to be this player.
That’s why the Houston Rockets once drafted him No. 2 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, behind just Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
But Green has spent his NBA career being a bit of an enigma — great one night, a no-show the next.
He certainly showed up Wednesday night, just when the Rockets needed him most.
Houston couldn’t afford a 2-0 deficit to the Warriors in the first round. Green didn’t let it happen.
He put up a monster 38-point night with eight 3-pointers and one huge dunk.
It led to a resounding win and a renewed confidence for the Rockets.
According to ESPN, he became the youngest player in Rockets postseason history to score 35 points in a game.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
He also joined Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and James Harden as Rockets to score 30 points in a playoff game at 23 or younger.
Green added six assists, four rebounds and three steals for good measure.
Now, the biggest key for Green going forward: Do it again.
If he does, the Rockets will be tough to beat. Especially if the Warriors can't get healthy to match Green's immense talent with the entirety of their own.
MORE NBA NEWS: