Warrior Wonder Draymond Green thrives in the trenches

When asked about a potential Finals matchup with the Boston Celtics after Thursday night’s loss, Steph Curry had this to say: “Very, very likely, right?” Curry said. “They’re playing the best right now in the East. Obviously, they need to beat Cleveland, who’s done it three years in a row. We’ll see, but I heard the weather’s great here in June.”

Assuming the end of the season results in a rematch here, the Golden State Warriors are going to need Draymond Green at his chippy best. Ignore the refs for just a moment, if you can, and appreciate the absolutely perfect defense that Draymond Green plays here on Kyrie Irving in the closing moment’s of last night’s game (courtesy of Anthony Slater’s recap on The Athletic). Watch the skill of Green covering a deadly perimeter player, from the nasty crossovers at the top of the key, all the way through two challenges to the eventual shot - all without fouling.

In a game where Steph Curry has arguably his worst performance in a Warriors uniform (nine points, four turnovers and five fouls in 31 minutes) that play from Draymond Green could have saved the game. The fact that it did not is a moot point now, but still a valuable moment to remember as the season goes on. Calls aren’t always going to go our way, so just appreciating the well-done defense is the most important takeaway from this possession.

I know Thomas put this same highlight in his article this morning, but I would like to reintroduce this as evidence of Green’s utility and value.

First, Green comes over to show help to help Steph Curry deny a post possession. The, after Durant interferes with the bounce pass, Green gets his hand on it - even though he isn’t able to control the ball here, his active hands on the deflection just add to the chaos of the possession. Green then recovers to defend the catch of the carom, resulting in one of Green’s three blocked shots on the night.

Now, I can’t for sure say that Green blocked that shot with the intent of it bouncing in to Curry’s hands, but he probably did. This is just one of the many, many examples of Green’s utility - from denying dribble penetration, to deflecting loose balls, to blocking the heck out of a shot attempt in such a way to set up the fast break.

Green ended the night with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks. We came up just a bit short at the end, but this was a prime example of Draymond Green’s nightly battle in the trenches.

(Sorry, I don’t have one of those snazzy Warrior Wonder logos for you yet, Draymond!!)

On the off chance you want to vote for another player, here are the other top contributors from last night (via ServantOfLuna)

Durant: (-6)

24 points 9/18 FGs 2/5 three pointers 4/4 FTs

3 rebounds (1 off.) 3 assists 3 turnovers 1 steal 2 blocks

Pachulia: (+16)

6 points 3/4 FGs

6 rebounds (1 off.) 1 assist

West: (+5)

6 points 3/4 FGs

2 rebounds 1 steal 1 block

Honorable mention:

Iguodala: (-18)

8 points 3/5 FGs 2/2 FTs

4 rebounds 1 assist 1 turnover 1 block