The Phoenix Suns are going to need Jalen Green to have a big game if they hope to steal Game 2 from the Oklahoma City Thunder, but there might just be precedent for that to happen.
Green averages most points in Game 2s in NBA history
At 38 points per game, the former Houston Rocket has a proven track record of going off in this game, and there is no reason he can't continue that in Oklahoma City.
What's that we hear you say? Green has only ever played in one Game 2 prior to this one? Minor details guys...
Fun Fact: Jalen Green averages the most PPG (38.0) in Game 2s in NBA history.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 22, 2026
How many for Jalen tonight? pic.twitter.com/xNFtBbxZt7
Alright, so this is obviously tongue in cheek, and the reality of his 38 point performance against the Golden State Warriors at this stage last season is even more grim than that.
Green having a dreadful first playoff experience with Houston, save for Game 2 when he was exactly what they needed to get the job done.
That was a series that ultimately went seven games, but which the Warriors won and they exposed Green badly in the process.
If the Suns do want to get back into this series, then they do actually need him to channel some of that previous Game 2 energy. Even 30 points would be a welcome start.
As for what they do with him on the defensive end? There are no hiding places and Jalen Williams and company are once again going to go after him hard.
But if he can score enough points to keep them honest on the other end of the court, then Green will have gone some way to adding to his tiny Game 2 legacy that is surely going to tumble after this one.
Giving Green more looks would also have the added benefit of taking the ball out of Dillon Brooks' hands. He was more than happy to shoot more than Green and Devin Booker in the Game 1 loss.
Really though if the Suns want to continue on the trajectory that they are currently on, or else decide to go all in for another superstar like Giannis this summer, Green has to be at his best offensively.
It is the only way the Suns will reach their full potential as we know them now, and it would also do wonders for his trade value if Giannis Antetokounmpo decides The Valley is where he wants to be.
You know what, let's just see how Game 2 goes down first before getting to all of that.
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