No Nap, No Problem — Jalen Green Shines in Suns Debut
Jalen Green skipped his usual pregame nap due to excitement, then delivered a stellar performance against the LA Clippers, scoring 29 points in his Phoenix Suns debut on November 6. He set a franchise record by making six three-pointers in his first game with the team.
Breaking Routine, Breaking Records
The 23-year-old guard revealed in a postgame interview that he broke from his typical pregame routine because he was too excited to rest. Green said,
“Body-wise, I felt really good. Usually, I take a pregame nap. I couldn't even get my nap in. I was so excited.”
This nervous energy converted into one of the finest debut performances in Suns history. Only Charles Barkley scored more points in his first game as a Sun, with 37 back in 1992.
The Impact of a High-Profile Trade
Green demonstrated immediately why the Suns traded Kevin Durant to Houston to acquire him. He shot 10-of-20 from the field, helping erase a halftime deficit and leading the Suns to a 115-102 victory.
His first basket came early, driving baseline and finishing a twisting layup over Ivica Zubac in the opening quarter. After sinking his first three-pointer with a sidestep jumper, Green felt his confidence grow:
“I think after my first three and then a little sidestep, I was like, okay, yeah, here we go. Just to be out there, to see the ball go in, amazing fans here.”
Game Highlights
- 29 points scored by Jalen Green
- Franchise record of six made three-pointers in a debut
- Helped Suns overcome halftime deficit
- Result: Suns won 115-102 over Clippers
Author’s summary: Jalen Green’s excitement-fueled debut for the Suns set a franchise record and showcased his potential, validating the high-profile trade that brought him to Phoenix.