Jalen Green Takes Blame for Rockets' Playoff Loss to Warriors, 'I've Got to Be Better'

Jalen Green's sky-high ceiling was on full display at times during the Houston Rockets' first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors.

But so was his inconsistency.

"Can't let a team take me out of the game, no matter what the scheme is," Green said of his first career playoff experience since he entered the league as the No. 2 pick in 2021, per ESPN's Michael C. Wright. 

"First playoffs [aren't] an excuse. I've got to be better. Everyone's got something to work on this summer. I'm just happy we got the experience to soak it in and be able to come back."

Green poured in 38 points in Houston's Game 2 win. However, he also finished in single figures in Games 1, 3, 4 and 7, which all happened to be losses for the Rockets.

His up-and-down play was indicative of the team as a whole, as the Rockets fell behind 3-1 before they came storming back to force a decisive Game 7. Yet they couldn't keep pace with the more experienced Golden State when the season was on the line in that last contest.

The good news for Houston is it has a strong young core with Green, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and others. Battling a team with the championship pedigree of Golden State will only help it compete in similar situations in the future.

"Next time we're in the playoffs, it's hit the ground running from Game 1, not take a step back," head coach Ime Udoka said. "I think we kind of found our footing midway through the series but let go of some opportunities early. With the series under your belt, a hard-fought series, you can kind of reflect and go back on those lessons that you learned. I think our guys will be better for it, no doubt."

Given his comments, Green seems like he will be better prepared to play at a higher level the next time he is in the postseason.