No nap, no problem — Jalen Green torches Clippers for 29 in epic Suns debut
Jalen Green skipped his usual pregame nap due to excitement and then delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 29 points against the LA Clippers in his Phoenix Suns debut on November 6. He set a franchise record by making six three-pointers in his first game for the Suns.
The 23-year-old guard explained after the game that his excitement kept him from resting.
“Body-wise, I felt really good,” Green said, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “Usually, I take a pregame nap. I couldn't even get my nap in. I was so excited.”
Green’s nervous energy turned into one of the best debuts in Suns history. Only Charles Barkley scored more points in his first Suns game with 37 points in 1992.
This highly anticipated debut justified the Suns’ decision to trade Kevin Durant to Houston for Green. He shot 10-of-20 from the field and helped the Suns overcome a halftime deficit, leading them to a 115-102 victory.
His opening basket set the tone early. Green drove along the baseline and finished with a twisting layup over Ivica Zubac in the first quarter. After sinking his first three-pointer with a sidestep jumper, he felt more confident on the court.
“I think after my first three and then a little sidestep, I was like, okay, yeah, here we go,” he said. “Just to be out there, to see the ball go in, amazing fans here.”
Green’s strong performance instantly affirmed his value to the Suns franchise and energized the team’s fanbase.
Author's summary: Jalen Green’s exhilarating Suns debut, fueled by skipped rest and excitement, set franchise records and proved his worth in a decisive win over the Clippers.