Finally. The moment Suns fans had been waiting for since the season tipped off arrived on Thursday night- Jalen Green made his long-awaited season debut, and he didn’t just return, he made history. The guard set a franchise record in threes made with 6 threes in his first game back, powering the Phoenix Suns to a 115–102 win over the LA Clippers, extending the Clippers’ losing streak in the process.

Green, sidelined for the first eight games of the season with a right hamstring strain, showed no signs of rust- and afterward, he had something to say.

“It felt good to be back. I was telling everybody on my team, I was like, I couldn’t even take my nap fully. I was so excited, just anxious to get back on the floor. It was a lot of hard work.”

He was on a minutes restriction to not overwork that hamstring. And he made every minute count. But was grateful for the people who helped him tonight. “Shout out to the training staff and everybody for, you know, working with me. Um, but yeah, I’m happy to be back out there.”

Green scored 29 points and sank six 3-pointers in his season debut. He tallied 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals (on a 10/20 FGM, 6/13 3PM) across 23 minutes. This was Green’s 22nd game with 6 or more three pointers, with 21 of those coming with the Rockets. 

When asked what were “those final steps” needed to ease him back to the court, he said, “It’s just, you know, seeing if I could play really five on five and, you know, trying to get up to my max speed and stuff like that. So, we’re still working through it and today was a great step. So, yeah.”

That indicates there’s still work to be done for him to be a full rotational player. But it’s the most upbeat and optimistic Jalen Green been in a while. Especially after a turbulent offseason.

Jalen Green is getting his groove back

2025 has proven challenging for Jalen Green. Although he was with the Houston Rockets until last season- when the team was viewed as championship contenders- Rockets fans did not extend their support to him. His personal life, particularly his relationship with Draya Michele, faced increased scrutiny, while his skills were often criticized. At that time, he was traded to the rebuilding Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant.

Being a part of that blockbuster trade stung in a way. He admitted he knew the Rockets wanted to trade him, but was still disappointed. He, however, looked at Phoenix as a fresh start. Till disaster struck at training camp.

He injured his hamstring during practice, but it wasn’t a severe injury. He was re-evaluated and cleared for the Phoenix Suns’ trip to China for the preseason exhibition. He, however, ended up aggravating the injury and had to be ruled out for the start of the 2025-26 season.

A hamstring strain also plays on the mind of an athlete. Where Aaron Gordon played through that kind of pain, Stephen Curry sat out the last postseason due to a hamstring injury at the cost of the Warriors’ postseason to preserve his longevity.

For Green, this was a big blow. He has been notoriously healthy and has played over 80 games in the past.

It was sad enough that his perfect attendance was ruined. Fans lost confidence in whether he’d fit in with Devin Booker.

That fear was calmed tonight. The Suns got an offensive reinforcement in Jalen for Book. While Green gave the team a game-high statline, Booker finished with 24 points (10-22 FG), seven assists and six rebounds.

It was also Bradley Beal’s first game back in Phoenix since he was traded to the Clippers. He struggled against his former team, scoring only 5 points.

The Suns will play the Clippers again on Sunday. Jalen’s status is up in the air for that, and Beal might be out for redemption.