I love Jalen’s new found attitude and hustle. I have not been a fan of his penchant for step back 3’s which, historically, he has been bad at. He is on fire from 3 and is hitting those step backs consistently during this run. If he has perfected that shot, and it’s not just a hot streak, he will be the superstar will all hoped for. I just hope he does not fall in love with it and keeps working on making the appropriate reads on when to shoot, when to drive, and when to dish. This past game I think he was forced to play hero ball a bit, because of the lack of depth we have without Sengun and Cam and by how well the Thunder play defense. Brooks was also clanking wide open 3’s which put even more of a burden on Jalen and he really stepped up.
I have to say I have taken his post AS games with a grain of salt but this game was insane. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop but it just doesn’t. I can’t think of a more extreme turn around. Not even Lauri Markkanen had this extreme a switch. I know both Green and Sengun can complement each other. It’s gonna be a crazy summer with high expectations sooner than we all thought.
Reviewing the highlights... the skill and athleticism is there... the Portland game may be his worst performance in a while... but this past game shows he is no longer as bummed after a bad game.