The first-round loss to the Warriors wasn’t the ending Houston wanted, but it may prove to be exactly the lesson they needed
Jalen Green, still just 23, has years ahead to rewrite his playoff legacy. With a supportive partner like Draya Michele by his side and a team ready to rise, Green’s journey is just beginning.
From family moments before Game 7 to the heartbreak on the court, this series was a snapshot of growth — personal, professional, and team-wide.
If Green and the Rockets can build on this foundation, the NBA may soon see a new contender emerge from Houston.
In a world obsessed with age, status, and public perception, Draya Michele and Jalen Green are choosing to focus on what matters most to them—each other and their family.
They’re navigating the highs and lows of fame, parenthood, and public criticism together, on their own terms.
Their love story may not be conventional, but it’s real, and they’re unapologetic about it. Draya’s message is clear: love doesn’t always look like what people expect, and that’s okay.
At the end of the day, it’s their relationship—not the internet’s—to define.
Also Read: How Draya Michele Is Celebrating Jalen Green’s Massive $106M NBA Contract?
Table of Contents
Draya Michele’s Support
More Than Just a Courtside Presence
Throughout the series, Jalen Green’s biggest supporter may have been his girlfriend, Draya Michele.1
The actress and model was a consistent presence courtside, offering both moral and emotional support during the high-pressure games.
Ahead of Game 7, Michele shared a heartfelt moment with fans: a glimpse of a family picnic with Green and their daughter.
The image conveyed warmth and unity, adding a human touch to what had become a very public relationship. Michele later posted from her courtside seat, showing she was there to the very end, regardless of the outcome.
Love, Age, and Public Attention
Much of the media buzz around Green and Michele has centered on their 17-year age gap. At 40, Draya Michele is significantly older than the 23-year-old Green, and their relationship has been the subject of online discourse.
However, the couple seems unbothered by the chatter, often appearing publicly affectionate and supportive.
This relationship has not only highlighted their personal chemistry but also how modern athletes manage fame, family, and media scrutiny all at once.
Michele’s support during a high-pressure playoff run was a refreshing reminder that relationships, even high-profile ones, can be grounded in genuine connection.
Like is my gum going to heal ?? What’s wrong with it? The flossing everyday makes that spot bleed
— Draya Michele (@drayamichele) October 28, 2022
Green’s Regular Season Brilliance
Though the playoffs exposed some inconsistencies in Green’s game, it’s impossible to overlook the growth he demonstrated throughout the regular season.
The third-year guard had his best campaign to date, leading the Rockets in scoring with 21.0 points per game. He also contributed 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest while shooting a career-best 35.4% from beyond the arc.
His improved shooting and aggressiveness were vital to Houston’s resurgence this season. The Rockets went from lottery dwellers to playoff participants, thanks in no small part to Green’s evolution as a leader and scorer.
Postseason Struggles: A Learning Curve
Against the Warriors, Green’s scoring dipped noticeably. Averaging just 13.3 points per game in the series, he struggled with efficiency and decision-making.
In three of the seven games — all Rockets losses — Green scored in single digits, highlighting his inconsistency under postseason pressure.
While these performances drew criticism, it’s important to remember that this was Green’s playoff debut. For many young stars, the first postseason is a harsh learning experience.
The pace, intensity, and physicality are all elevated, and the Warriors are known for their playoff savvy. For Green, this series will serve as a foundation for growth.
Draya Michele and Jalen Green: Power Couple
In an era where social media plays an outsized role in athlete branding, the relationship between Jalen Green and Draya Michele has garnered plenty of attention.2
Yet beyond the headlines, their partnership seems rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Michele has been an entrepreneur, actress, and influencer long before dating Green. Her presence at games, social media posts, and public support reveal a dynamic that transcends superficial gossip. Together, they represent a new kind of NBA power couple — blending sports, entertainment, and family life.
The 2024 playoffs may have ended in disappointment for Houston, but the bigger picture remains encouraging. The team’s young core is maturing, the coaching staff has established a clear identity, and the front office is committed to building a winner.
With internal growth, savvy offseason additions, and a healthy Jalen Green returning motivated, the Rockets could be a playoff mainstay moving forward. For fans in Houston, the future is finally looking bright.
Spotlight on the Draft: Future Moves for Houston
As the Rockets turn the page to the offseason, all eyes will be on the 2024 NBA Draft and free agency. Armed with cap flexibility and a front office eager to win, Houston may look to add veteran talent to balance their youthful core.
The NBA Mock Draft Simulator has become a popular tool for fans, offering a chance to play GM and make selections for their favorite teams.
Rockets supporters are already speculating about which prospects might help the team take the next step, whether it’s a defensive-minded wing or a floor-spacing big man.
Green’s Next Chapter: Leadership and Consistency
For Jalen Green, the next phase of his development will center around consistency and leadership. He has shown he can score in bunches and light up the highlight reels.
The next challenge is to do it night in and night out — especially when the stakes are highest.
Leadership will also become increasingly important. As one of the longest-tenured players on a young team, Green will be looked to not only for points but also for poise and example.
If he can elevate his mental game to match his physical gifts, superstardom is within reach.
Also Read: Meet Baby Jokic: Kendrick Perkins Passes the Torch to Alperen Sengun and Promotion
Draya Michele Breaks Her Silence on Relationship with Jalen Green
Reality TV star, entrepreneur, and model Draya Michele has finally spoken candidly about her much-publicized relationship with NBA star Jalen Green.3
The couple has faced scrutiny since going public, primarily due to their nearly 17-year age gap.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Draya addressed the criticism directly, setting the record straight on their love, their priorities, and how they handle public judgment.
A Relationship Under the Spotlight
Ever since Draya Michele and Jalen Green were first spotted together, the internet has had a lot to say. Critics were quick to highlight their age difference—Draya is 39 and Green is 22.
Their relationship became a trending topic, not because of any scandal or wrongdoing, but purely due to the generational gap between them.
From Twitter threads to podcast debates, the couple has endured intense speculation about the authenticity of their bond. But despite the noise, Draya and Jalen have maintained a relatively private life.
They rarely post about each other on social media, and until now, they’ve kept comments on their relationship to a minimum.
Draya Michele: Speaks Out
“It’s Weird” People Care So Much
While out running errands with their infant daughter, TMZ caught up with Draya Michele and asked her how she felt about the constant chatter surrounding her personal life.
Draya’s response was candid and grounded in common sense.
“We try to stay off the internet and not really listen to that kind of stuff. We block it out and mind our business,” she said.
“Two adults being in love, I don’t know why that would rub people the wrong way. It’s kind of weird. … Love is love at the end of the day.”
Her tone made it clear: she and Jalen are focused on their lives and their family, not the opinions of people who don’t know them personally.
Draya Michele: New Product
Draya Michele launched The Mint CONDI+ION meal plan with Mint Swim USA and added the purchase link on her instagram bio.
View this post on Instagram
The Internet’s Obsession with Age-Gap Relationships
The backlash against Draya and Jalen isn’t unique—Hollywood and sports are full of age-gap relationships that attract scrutiny.
Think of celebrities like Cher and Alexander Edwards or even Leonardo DiCaprio and his history of dating younger women.
While men in these relationships often escape public judgment, women—especially older women dating younger men—face disproportionate criticism.
Draya’s experience echoes that double standard. The assumption that an older woman must be taking advantage of a younger man, or that the relationship can’t possibly be real, is rooted in outdated gender norms.
Draya calling this fixation “weird” speaks to the larger cultural discomfort with women owning their choices unapologetically.
A Modern Family Dynamic
Draya is no stranger to motherhood. She has two sons—Kniko, 23, and Jru, 9. Interestingly, Jalen Green is only a few months older than Kniko, a fact that online critics have jumped on as ammunition.
But for Draya, age is just a number, and her role as a mother is entirely separate from her role as a partner.
She hasn’t publicly discussed how her older son feels about her relationship with Jalen, but given her family-first mindset and tight-knit household, it’s likely that open communication plays a key role in how they navigate this new dynamic.
With the addition of their baby daughter, Draya and Jalen are now building a blended family. Rather than shy away from their reality, the couple appears to be embracing it, showing that they’re grounded in love and mutual respect.
Draya Michele: Social Media’s Role in Shaping Narratives
In today’s digital world, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) often serve as judge, jury, and executioner for public figures.
Any relationship that doesn’t fit the mold is ripe for memes, criticism, and viral threads.
Draya and Jalen’s approach—staying off the internet and ignoring public judgment—may be one of the healthiest strategies for celebrities in the modern era. By not feeding the narrative, they maintain control over their own story.
Still, the relationship continues to spark debate. Some see it as empowering, while others view it skeptically. Regardless of which side people fall on, the couple has made it clear they’re not seeking validation.
The Bigger Picture: Respecting Adult Choices
At the heart of this situation lies a simple truth: two consenting adults have chosen to be together and raise a family.
While the age gap is undeniably notable, it’s far from unprecedented—and certainly not illegal or unethical.
Draya Michele’s response to critics isn’t defensive; it’s rational. She’s asking a valid question: why are people so uncomfortable with a relationship that harms no one?
The public often forgets that celebrities are human beings, too—flawed, complex, and deserving of love like anyone else.
Whether their relationship lasts forever or not, Draya and Jalen deserve the same respect and space to figure things out as any other couple.
Also Read: Draya Michele Pregnancy Buzz: Is She Expecting a Baby in 2024? Children, Advertisement and More
