The Golden State Warriors barely punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA playoffs, surviving a high-stakes play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies with a nail-biting 121-116 victory.
But their celebration might be short-lived. Up next? The surging Houston Rockets, owners of the second seed in the West, are not just ready for the playoffs. They’re razor-focused.
Leading the charge is Jalen Green, who’s making headlines not for his flashy dunks or crossovers, but for a unique fact.
Jalen Green Is Fully Locked In for the Playoffs
In a post-practice interview on Friday, April 18, Green revealed he has deleted all his social media accounts ahead of the Rockets’ opening playoff game against the Warriors on April 20.
“I tend to go on my social media and go watch highlights and stuff,” Green told reporters. “That’s not something I’m trying to be focused on. This is my first time being in this situation, and I want to be fully present and fully locked in for it.”
This bold and calculated move shows just how seriously the young guard is taking this postseason run. And why wouldn’t he? This represents the first playoffs that the young shooting guard will play in his career.
Moreover, not only is he focusing on the game, but he is also simultaneously making sure that nothing bad happens to his 40-year-old girlfriend, Draya Michelle, during his online absence.
“..leave my girl out it I’m deactivating my shi for playoffs,” wrote Green on his Instagram story.
Drafted second overall in 2021, Green has grown into a cornerstone for Houston. From the moment he landed in H-Town, his combination of explosive athleticism, tight handle, and scorer’s mentality was clear. This regular season, he proved his skills by averaging 21 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
What separates Green now from the player he was a few seasons ago is his improved shot selection, his defensive commitment, and his leadership. He’s shooting a career-best 35.4% from beyond the arc and has become more active on the defensive end.
As the Warriors prepare to face the most dangerous version of the Rockets yet, they’ll have to deal with a Green who’s fully locked in — mentally, physically, and now, digitally.
Green Praised by Head Coach Before the Playoffs
Green managed to appear in every single game this season for the Rockets, highlighting a durability and dependability not often seen in this era of basketball. His durability extends beyond this year, too. Since February 2023, Green has recorded the third-longest active consecutive games played streak in the NBA.
As the Rockets prepare for this critical playoff push, Green’s reliability stands out as a key asset.
Jalen Green Is the X-Factor for the Rockets vs Warriors! #LiftOff pic.twitter.com/LOOiQN64ye
— The H-Town Pulse (@Htownpulse713) April 19, 2025
After Houston’s April 13 game against the Denver Nuggets, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka praised Green for his unwavering dedication to the game.
“Huge accomplishment,” Udoka said after the game. “Especially nowadays, when guys will sit out for pretty much anything. I think the fact that he wants to play in every game and play through everything it does rub off on everybody. Especially for a young guy … it’s another feather in his cap.”
As Houston prepares to face off against the Warriors, Green’s explosive scoring, improved decision-making, and defensive intensity will be vital.