Houston Rockets guards Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. each missed significant time in December but the backcourt duo played together again on Tuesday and proved to be dynamic and electric versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
Green led the way with 24 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals in 38 minutes during the 132-123 loss. Porter followed suit and put up 22 points, nine assists and five rebounds on 8-of-17 shooting from the field in 35 minutes.
The contest on Tuesday marked the first in which both Green and Porter played together since Nov. 24 versus the Chicago Bulls. Green missed 14 games with a strained hamstring while Porter was sidelined for 12 games due to a thigh injury.
Rockets head coach Stephen Silas liked how the two played in the loss.
I thought they both played really well. I thought (Porter) played under control; the pace of his game was great. He made plays for his teammates. He didn’t get down on himself for turnovers or missed shots. He just stayed with the game.
Jalen played super under control, quick decisions. Aggressive but not overly aggressive. They just played with the spirit that we need for this group. They both were making plays for others. They were one and two in assists for our group — Scoot had nine and Jalen had four assists. All because they were aggressive but they just played a really solid game, both of them. I’m so proud of those guys. They played great.
Green and Porter each had the opportunity to train and rehab together after suffering their injuries around the same time. They worked extensively on the court and walked away with a better understanding of how the other likes to play.
The chemistry between Green and Porter was on display throughout the contest on Tuesday. Porter found Green for an alley-oop in the first quarter while Green dished it out to Porter for a corner 3-pointer later in the third period.
Porter spoke about the work put in with Green during their rehab.
We were out — not, fortunately, but fortunately — together and it gave us time to work with each other and see, for me as a point guard, find out the spots where he likes coming off to shoot it. … Our chemistry, as you can see tonight, has been way better and it’ll only continue to get better. We’re both young, both dynamic. We got (Christian) Wood in the back to hold it down.
Said Green on having Porter back in the lineup:
It was exciting just to see him get his flow back. It’s tough when you’re sitting out for a little while and then having to come back and play big minutes — you get winded fast, etc. I was happy for him and was excited playing with him. It was super fun.
Houston has had an up and down season but the team appears to be on the right track now with Green and Porter back in the lineup. The two players have the potential to give Houston one of the top backcourts in the league and they showed why on Tuesday.
The Rockets are certainly building toward the future but they have shown that they can compete with some of the top teams in the league, while also putting on a show with their young talent.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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