Jalen Green is feeling motivated on and off the court.
After the Houston Rockets star, 22, scored a career-high 42 points in his team’s win against the Washington Wizards Tuesday, he shared what has been motivating him during his games.
“My family,” he said, “[and] my baby.”
Green’s girlfriend, Draya Michele, is currently pregnant with their first child — a baby girl due in May.
On March 8, the “Basketball Wives” alum, 39, announced her pregnancy in honor of International Women’s Day alongside a carousel of maternity photos.
The Houston Rockets star scored a career-high 42 points in Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
Green’s girlfriend, Draya Michele, is currently pregnant with their first child. Instagram/@drayamichele
“We are overjoyed to share our love for you, little girl,” she captioned the post. “I am excited to speak words to the daughter I never thought I’d have. We are anxious about your arrival, but take your time — this world can be tough.”
Michele added, “But know you are being brought into a space of love, security, and adornment.”
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Although the Mint Swim founder did not tag the father of her child in the post, NBA star Kyle Kuzma congratulated both Green and Michele in the comments.
“It’s up familyyy @jalen @drayamichele ❤️,” he wrote in the comments section before Michele turned the comments off on the post.
“I’m excited to speak words to the daughter I never thought I’d have. We are anxious about your arrival, but take your time — this world can be tough,” she captioned the March 8 post. Instagram/@drayamichele
Their baby girl is due in May. Instagram/@drayamichele
The couple faced backlash over the pregnancy news due to their 17-year age gap.
Michele’s former “Basketball Wives” co-star Meghan James tweeted, “17 years is wilddddd. Having fun with a younger guy is cool bc yall both grown. Having a baby by one that’s the same age as your son speaks a lot about your character as a person.”
Other social media users even labeled Michele as a “predator.”
The couple faced backlash over the pregnancy news due to their 17-year age gap. drayamichele/Instagram
Rumors began surfacing last year that Green and Michele were dating. Getty Images
The athlete has the word “Draya” tattooed on his lower stomach. Instagram/@jalen
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Following the backlash, the former reality star posted a cryptic meme on Instagram about “being misunderstood.”
“Get comfortable being misunderstood. Only a fraction of people will be able to truly grasp your essence. You are not on anyone else’s timeline of comprehension,” the post read.
“Also, it’s none of your business how others choose to perceive you. Most High sees you clearly – let that be enough.”
The Mint Swim founder is mom to son Kniko, 21, whose father is unknown to the public. FilmMagic
She also shares son Jru, 7, with ex-fiancé Orlando Scandrick. Instagram/@drayamichele
Rumors began surfacing last year that Green and Michele were dating.
The athlete — who signed a four-year, $40.8 million contract with the Rockets in 2021 — even has her name tattooed on his lower stomach.
Michele is also mom to son Kniko, 21, whose father is unknown to the public, and son Jru, 7, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Orlando Scandrick.