Jalen Green emerged as one of the Houston Rockets’ top scorers last season and had embraced the city as home after being selected second overall in 2021. So when he was dealt to the Phoenix Suns in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade, the 23-year-old admitted he was “hurt.”
But in his long-awaited Suns debut Thursday night, Green looked right at home. He erupted for 29 points to power Phoenix to a 115–102 win over the Clippers, instantly validating the franchise’s decision to acquire him and sending Suns fans into a frenzy.
Suns Fans Celebrate After Jalen Green Trade Pays Immediate Dividends
Green was acquired by the Suns alongside Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round picks in exchange for Kevin Durant. Phoenix used that 10th pick to draft standout center Khaman Maluach, and while Brooks has impressed with 19.3 points per game this season, Green has now validated his end of the deal as well.
Playing for the first time in six months, Green erupted for 29 points in just 23 minutes on Thursday night, marking the second-highest scoring total in a Suns debut behind Charles Barkley’s 37 in November 1992. He also set a franchise record for most made threes in a debut, drilling six of his 13 attempts.
Suns fans couldn’t be happier with how the trade is playing out, and they made their feelings known on social media.
“We won the trade,” a fan declared.
We won the trade #SunsUp
— David (@dgarza06) November 7, 2025
“We all thought Beal was gonna play like that when we traded for him lol,” another wrote.
“What a fantastic turn of events. Still no DB but in the face of Beal makes this a dream come true,” a third added.
Green, who missed the first eightr games with a hamstring strain, was on a minutes restriction, making his performance even more impressive.
“Jalen had a great debut especially playing limited minutes looks to be a great addition to the team!!” a fan commented.
Jalen had a great debut especially playing limited minutes looks to be a great addition to the team!! 👍🏾
— Ignatius L. Jackson, CPA (@ignatiuscpa) November 7, 2025
“And he’s only 75%. Can’t wait to see when he’s in Full Mode,” another added.
And he’s only 75%.
Can’t wait to see when he’s in Full Mode— OLI*ESCALERA (@buverpro) November 7, 2025
“Booker-Green is gonna be a deadly duo,” a user predicted.
Here are some more reactions, including a few of the Rockets fans regretting trading him.
“Why tf did we trade my goat man,” a fan lamented.
“Bro Rockets fans were in a Suns space crashing tf out over that Jalen Green game. I fell out of my seat,” wrote another.
“The Suns will never trade you Jalen,” a third wrote.
The Suns will never trade you Jalen. 📈🥋
— JayTakes (@SportsWithJay0) November 7, 2025
“That net caught on fire,” a fourth added.
Green was equally thrilled about his debut and said playing at Mortgage Matchup Center already felt like home. The Suns improved to 4–5 on the season and 4–1 at home and will face the Clippers again on Saturday, November 8, in Los Angeles.
