Jalen Green’s spectacular dunk on Cade Cunningham during the Houston Rockets’ 101-99 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night didn’t just grab headlines for its sheer athleticism—it also caught the attention of his biggest supporter, his girlfriend Draya Michele. As the Rockets guard posterized his former draft classmate in the fourth quarter, Michele was quick to show her pride, sharing a video of the highlight on her Instagram story with a one-word reaction: “Wow.”
The timing of the dunk was perfect. With the game still in the balance and the Rockets holding a slim lead, Green’s thunderous slam over Cunningham was the exclamation point on an intense, personal rivalry between the two young stars. Green, who was selected second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has often cited his motivation to prove he could have been the No. 1 pick, with Cunningham (selected first overall by Detroit) being the player he’s continuously compared to.
Michele’s response, simply saying “Wow,” resonated across social media, as fans of both players reacted to the viral moment. The phrase perfectly captured the excitement of the dunk itself and the emotions of a girlfriend proud of her partner’s performance.
The Rivalry: Green vs. Cunningham
The rivalry between Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham goes back further than their time in the NBA. Both players were stars in high school, and when they entered the 2021 draft, all eyes were on which of them would go No. 1. While Cunningham was selected first by the Pistons, Green, drafted by the Rockets, has always felt he could have been that top pick. The competition between the two only intensified when the draft order came down.
Since then, the pair have had a series of competitive encounters, with Jalen Green notably trash-talking Cade Cunningham after a dunk during the 2021 NBA Summer League. Their history is also peppered with moments that go beyond just basketball, like the infamous video from their Team USA camp days when Cunningham slapped Green on the chin. That incident, among others, has created a bit of a chip on Green’s shoulder every time he faces Cunningham.
This latest moment—the dunk—was more than just a highlight; it was a statement. Green’s athleticism and ability to rise to the occasion were on full display, and it’s clear that the rivalry between him and Cunningham is far from over. For Green, it was yet another reminder that he’s not just a promising young player—he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Draya Michele’s Pride: One Word Says It All
Jalen Green’s girlfriend, Draya Michele, has always been vocal about her support for the Rockets star. The two welcomed a baby girl earlier this year, and Green has often cited his family as one of the driving forces behind his strong play on the court. But Michele’s latest Instagram post proves that, even in the heat of the moment, she’s fully invested in her boyfriend’s success.
When Green threw down his dunk on Cunningham, it didn’t just electrify the crowd—it caught Michele’s attention in a major way. Posting the video of the dunk on her Instagram story, Michele simply captioned it with “Wow.” That single word was all she needed to express how proud she was of Green’s performance, and it perfectly captured the raw emotion that came with the play.
Michele’s response quickly went viral, as fans and followers from both the NBA and celebrity worlds reacted to the moment. Her pride was evident, and the simplicity of her reaction only added to the authenticity of the moment. For Michele, it was more than just another highlight; it was a proud moment for both her and Green.
Green and Cunningham: A Competitive Clash with High Stakes
For Green, this dunk was more than just a way to punctuate a victory. It was a chance to silence the critics and prove his worth against a player who had been picked before him. As much as Green values the success of his team, his rivalry with Cunningham has often felt personal. The two players’ competitive spirit is undeniable, and this dunk was just the latest chapter in their ongoing saga.
However, the highlight came during a tense game where both players showed their individual talents. Green’s dunk may have been the showstopper, but Cunningham was arguably the best player on the floor for Detroit, finishing with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. Despite the loss, Cunningham’s performance reaffirmed why he was the No. 1 pick, while Green’s dunk served as a reminder that he’s more than capable of holding his own in such head-to-head matchups.
Green’s performance, despite his less-than-ideal shooting night, was a statement. He shot just 35.3% from the field, including a rough 1-of-6 from three-point range. Still, his athleticism, scoring ability, and presence in critical moments stood out—especially when it mattered most. The dunk against Cunningham was a defining moment, and it’s clear that Green is only getting started.
Looking Ahead: Green’s Rising Star
Jalen Green’s dunk on Cade Cunningham is a clear indicator that the Rockets star is maturing into a player who thrives under pressure. While the dunk was spectacular, it was his confidence and fire that truly stole the show. The dunk was a symbolic reminder that Green is not just a talented scorer but also a player who can rise to the occasion in high-stakes moments.
His ongoing rivalry with Cunningham, combined with his strong performances and personal motivations, sets up an exciting future for Green. With the Houston Rockets continuing to build around their young star, his trajectory suggests that this rivalry will only get more intense as both players continue to carve out their own legacies in the league.
Draya Michele’s reaction, along with the public support she continues to show for Green, also highlights the importance of family and personal relationships in his journey. For Green, having Michele by his side has undoubtedly played a role in his growth both on and off the court.
As for Cunningham, this loss and Green’s thunderous dunk may serve as additional motivation for the Pistons guard. His competitive fire is undeniable, and the rivalry between the two is only going to heat up. For fans, it’s clear that this is a matchup that will continue to excite, especially as both Green and Cunningham continue to evolve into two of the brightest young stars in the NBA.
Jalen Green’s ability to perform under pressure is undeniable, and this dunk on Cade Cunningham is just one example of how he continues to evolve as a player. The rivalry between Green and Cunningham adds layers to the story, making each of their matchups more thrilling. While Green’s shooting struggles are something he’ll need to address, his ability to dominate in big moments like this one suggests that he is on the right path to stardom. Meanwhile, Draya Michele’s one-word reaction was more than just a celebration; it was a reminder of the personal side of Green’s journey—his motivation, his family, and the people who support him. As Green’s star continues to rise, the energy around him—both from his supporters and from his rivals—will only grow.
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