Jalen Green era begins in Phoenix with strong all-around showing

Mack Baltes

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Jalen Green era begins in Phoenix with strong all-around showing image

For the first eight games of the season, the Phoenix Suns searched for a consistent second scoring option to pair with All-Star Devin Booker. That changed Thursday night, when newly acquired guard Jalen Green made his long-awaited debut after arriving from the Houston Rockets in the offseason Kevin Durant trade.

In his first game with the Suns, he scored 29 points on 10-for-20 shooting while adding three assists and two steals. Booker provided steady support with 24 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, giving Phoenix the dynamic backcourt it had been missing.

The Suns’ starters collectively delivered one of their most balanced performances of the season. Grayson Allen added 18 points, Royce O’Neale knocked down five 3-pointers on his way to 17 points, and center Mark Williams recorded a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. With every starter scoring in double figures, Phoenix controlled the pace throughout the second half.

Already facing an uphill battle without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the Clippers could not keep up once Phoenix erupted for a 40-point third quarter. The Suns outscored Los Angeles by 17 in the period and pulled away for a 13-point win.

After the game, Green said he was grateful simply to be back on the floor. “Man, that felt good to be back,” he said. “I was so excited and anxious… It was a lot of hard work, shoutout to the training staff for working with me. I’m super excited and blessed to be back. Being in Phoenix, it’s a blessing too. Great culture.”

With a healthy lineup and a promising first look at their new Green-Booker partnership, the Suns hope this marks the start of a sustained run in the Western Conference. Phoenix will face the Clippers again Saturday in a rematch.

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Contributing Writer