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On Sunday, Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets picked up a narrow 101-99 win over Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. While the win was a big one for the Rockets, the story of the game was Green's highlight reel dunk on Cunningham.
Early in the fourth quarter, a steal from Amen Thompson led to a fastbreak opportunity for Houston. With a full head of steam, Green threw down a thunderous dunk on Cunningham and earned himself a technical for his celebration.
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The two young NBA stars have been competitive rivals for years, going back to their days in high school AAU tournaments. At the time, Cunningham was ranked higher nationally despite Green averaging nearly 30 points per game.
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In 2021, Cunningham was drafted first overall and Green went second. It was reminiscent of their AAU days, with Cunningham being the top dog and Green just behind him.
Things escalated when both players were chosen to be part of the 2023 Team USA Select Team, which practiced against the Team USA FIBA World Cup Team. After throwing down a dunk, Cunningham went up to Green, who was watching, and gave him a light tap on the chin.
The moment was caught on video and immediately went viral. It took their rivalry to another level.
Comparing Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham's head-to-head stats
In Sunday's meeting between Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham, it was Green and the Rockets who were victorious. After jumping out to a three-point lead after the first quarter, the Rockets entered the half down two.
However, they outscored the Pistons by 10 in the third quarter, leading to a two-point win at the end of regulation. Green finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in 34 minutes of action.
On the flip side, Cunningham had 26 points eight rebounds and nine assists.
Both players are having strong seasons, with Green averaging 20.7 ppg, on a career-high 34.4% from downtown, 4.5 rpg and 2.9 apg. On the other hand, Cunningham is averaging career highs across the board with 23.1 ppg, on 47.2% from the field, 7.3 rpg and 8.3 apg.
Both teams will meet again on Jan. 20, as the Rockets host the Pistons.
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