HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Less than 10 percent of Jalen Green's shots had come from the mid-range, but the Los Angeles Clippers were giving him those shots on Tuesday, and the Rockets rookie displayed a willingness to take it.
"We talk about a lot as far as taking what the defense gives us," head coach Stephen Silas said after the Rockets 113-100 loss. "The mid-range was there a little bit more tonight than usual."
Green attempted 21 shots against the Clippers, five came from mid-range, the area of the floor outside the paint but inside the three-point line. He made three. The Rockets generally eschew shots from mid-range, attempting a league-low four per game, but Green understands sometimes he must pull the trigger.
"I don't usually take a lot of mid-range (shots)," he said. "It's usually a three or to the cup, so once I get the in-between game I think it will take my game to a whole new level."
Tuesday was the Rockets second straight game against the Clippers and third over a 12-day stretch, so Green had an idea of how they would defend him.
"The Clippers played me this whole time, trying to get me to my in-between game, so I just gotta know when to take those shots."
Only 54 of Green's 574 field goal attempts came from the mid-range entering Tuesday night, and he was successful on just 29.6 of those shots. His focus will always be shooting three and getting to the rim, but he knows he must take advantage if teams are just going to surrender the mid-range.
"I need to start getting more comfortable, but I'm working on it right now, still trying to get it down to the tee."
Green will have another opportunity to showcase his mid-range game on Wednesday night against a Utah Jazz team that allows 13.5 mid-range shots per game, third most in the NBA.
