Like Stephen Curry last season against the Nuggets or Andrew Wiggins at the start of the series against the Kings, Draymond Green discovered last night the role of 6th man. Returning from his game suspension, the All-Star inside was not in the starting five, and it was at his request.
“Draymond just wants to win” explains Steve Kerr about this decision. It should be remembered that Green had not started a playoff game on the bench since 2014, and he remained in 132 straight games as a starter. “You have to do what’s best for the team, and I’ve seen that, literally, from miles away.” justifies Green, who had watched the 3rd round from home. “We won, and I’m a big believer in the idea that when something works, it shouldn’t be fixed. I never want to reach the point in my career where I feel entitled to demand something. I wanted to do what I thought was best for the team”.
A Warriors tradition
For Steve Kerr, this idea was already in the air because of the way the Kings defended. To space out the game as much as possible and free up access to the circle, he had already considered using Green off the bench. “It didn’t surprise me because he saw the same things as me” confirms the Golden State coach. “The fact that he came to talk to me about it and suggested it made things a lot easier for me. »
As reminded by San Francisco Chronicle, this is not the first time that a major player has agreed to become a 6th man for the Warriors. For 10 years, David Lee, Andrew Bogut or Andre Iguodala had agreed to let go of their starting place for the good of the team. “We talk a lot here about doing whatever it takes to win, and everyone is flexible about their role”Curry recalls of the mentality of the group. “It’s just about being ready, whatever the situation, and that’s the versatility of our team. »
Another technical fault
On Sunday, Kerr used Green to defend on Fox in the second half, and that’s how the last shot was taken by Harrison Barnes. Even if Green wasted a lot on offense (3 of 14 on shots!), his activity weighed on the match with his 10 rebounds, including 4 offensive, and his 7 assists. “He was monstrous in defense, being the disruptor he usually is” continues Curry. “And that’s exactly how we have to play. Everyone is ready to take advantage of their minutes and do what they are asked to do, when they are asked. It’s the only way to win this series and do something special this year in the playoffs. »
Holder or not, Green was also noticed by yet another spat with an opponent. This time, it was with De’Aaron Fox, less than a minute after coming on. On arrival, one more technical foul on his locker… “I’m still here, and no one will move me from my place” he throws. “I remain the same, and if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. »
