• Houston Rockets' Gerald Green (14) drives past Boston Celtics' Terry Rozier (12) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Photo: Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
Photo: Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
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Houston Rockets' Gerald Green (14) drives past Boston Celtics' Terry Rozier (12) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Houston Rockets' Gerald Green (14) drives past Boston Celtics' Terry Rozier (12) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Photo: Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
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Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) passes the ball around Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) passes the ball around Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Washington. (AP

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Photo: Alex Brandon/Associated Press
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Barely 24 hours after Gerald Green signed with the Rockets, wearing a uniform that arrived in the arena 10 minutes before the opening tip and shoes he had to borrow from Trevor Ariza, Green might have shown why his former coach, Brad Stevens, said he is a perfect fit for the Rockets.

Green, filling in with the Rockets shorthanded since the injury to Luc Mbah a Moute, scored 18 points in 27 minutes off the bench on Friday in Washington, making 6 of 10 shots, including 4 of 6 3-pointers.

He said he was not sharp yet, having not played since the preseason with the Bucks, but was closer than he expected.

"Obviously, I still have to get better," Green said. "I've been at the house for several weeks. You never really get prepared for games no matter how much you work out. I'm just trying to knock some of the rust off.

"I am very surprised about my wind. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm actually happy with myself about the work I've been putting in. That's really been paying off."

Green has a non-guaranteed contract, but hoped to show that he can help the Rockets even after Mbah a Moute returns.

"Of course, I want to have the guys adjust to my style of play. But for me, I really just want to adjust to the team," Green said. "I'm so happy to be here. Whatever I can do to help this team win, I'm going to do it. I know this team has been going through a little slump right now, but I think we're really on the verge of busting out and taking it to the next level."