PHOENIX – Friday showed that a new team plus new city equals a new Jalen Green. The 24-year-old entered the Play-In game versus the Golden State Warriors to face his old demons. A year ago, Green was embarrassed against Stephen Curry and company in the playoffs and eliminated in the first round as the second seed. He played the worst basketball of his life and was soon traded that offseason.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Friday’s 111-96 win, and the entire Play-In, hasn’t just restored his stock, but increased it by tenfold and puts him into number one guy conversations next to running mate Devin Booker. The past two Play-In games illustrated that the young combo guard is ready for high-leverage playoff moments as the top guy. And for the past two games at minimum, he’s done it better than Booker.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates after a slam dunk against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Green vs. Booker in Play-In games:
- Jalen Green:
- 35.5 PPG
- 5.5 RPG
- 3.0 APG
- 57.1% shooting, 47.6% from 3 on 10.5 attempts
- Devin Booker:
- 21 PPG
- 3.5 RPG
- 6.0 APG
- 41.4 shooting, zero 3s on six attempts
Mar 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) smiles at Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
A two-game sample size isn’t enough to throw away 10 years of good will that the five-time All-Star has earned. However, entering a David and Goliath matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first-round, the franchise needs its top guys to play at their peak ability.
Green is more than doing his part, averaging 35 points per game like he’s 19′ Harden. The question hangs on Booker if he can return to form that he has illustrated this season. The 29-year-old was second in the league in scoring average since the beginning of March to the end of the season.
The problem is end of game situations. Booker was the team leading scorer in clutch points this season, but his recent 3-point fourth quarter vs. the Portland Trail Blazers has experts worried if he has lost a step. While Booker’s injury aliments this season has a clear effect, he’ll never use that as an excuse.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Regardless of injuries, the on/off numbers heavily favor Booker this season. When the two guards are on the court together, they are a +5.1 and -1.2 when both are off. The glaring difference is when Booker is by himself, he is positive while Green is a massive negative when on the court without his All-Star teammate at -5.3.
Green’s return to injury had some rough games to start off, but the numbers don’t lie that the team is better when Booker is on the court. However, the tandem are at their best when they share the floor together, which is likely leading to Green’s success.
When in Houston, Green was the top offensive player on the roster, leading the team in scoring during the 2024-2025 season. Phoenix has given him space that he hasn’t seen because of the pressure Devin Booker brings as the ball handler. As a downhill threat, there is no other like Booker, who uses his size and physicality to get to his spot without breaking a sweat.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The pressure allows Green open space on the perimeter to showcase his ball handling skills, tough shot making and overall athleticism towards the basket. Despite Booker’s struggles, teams are going to honed in on him and force his teammates to beat him, which luckily Green has stepped up to fulfill that role.
And, as a true No. 1 guy, Booker has been willingly to accept Green’s ascension. Most notably during the Play-In game vs. the Trail Blazers, where he passed up a contested game-tying shot to find Green open on the perimeter for a chance at the win. Booker’s struggles doesn’t take away his top guy status, it only solidifies it because of how he responds and adjusts his play.
Green is certainly in the conversation for the best running mate for Booker has had during his time in the Valley, but the franchise scoring-leader’s presence is vital for the team’s success this playoff stretch.
Jalen Green looks for revenge vs. Steph Curry and Warriors from 2025 playoffs
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
