The Rockets (1-15) lost their 14th straight game on Saturday in New York, but it was far more competitive than most of Houston’s losses over the past two weeks. One big reason was the strong performance by rookie guard Jalen Green, who shot 7-of-11 from the field (63.6%) and 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%) in 36 minutes at Madison Square Garden.

Even with the strong numbers, the No. 2 pick from the 2021 NBA draft wasn’t satisfied because it didn’t result in a win. Here’s a sampling of what the 19-year-old had to say postgame to reporters, as transcribed by Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic:

I feel like I could take on more of a leader role. Telling guys not to get away from it, let’s get back to what we were doing. Or I can take control of the ball, and get on the ball more.

I’m a rookie. I’ve still got a lot of figuring out to do. I won’t force anything, or try to make it seem like I’m trying to take over or anything like that. If that time is going to happen, it’s going to come.

Green and the Rockets will look to build on Saturday’s showing in their next game on Monday at Boston (9-8). Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. Central.