As the Golden State Warriors prepare for a pivotal Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Draymond Green finds himself at the forefront of the team’s strategy. With star player Stephen Curry sidelined due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, Green’s leadership and performance will be crucial in maintaining the Warriors’ playoff hopes.
Prior to the game, Green and Curry exchanged a lengthy fist shake. This poignant moment was a great example of Green’s leadership and calm encouragement to his frazzled fellow All-Pro. This gesture underscored the bond between the two players, reflecting Green’s commitment to leading the team during this challenging time.
Green showed his usual fiery resolve not to allow the wheels to come off for his teammates. He continued to stress the need to go out there and play with confidence, like he had done in his first game against Rudy Gobert during the series.
I just need to make it the same for my dudes,” Green said, underscoring his commitment to high standards and leading by example on the floor.
During that game against the Timberwolves, Green delivered one of his most impressive offensive highlights of the season—a one-handed driving dunk over Gobert. After the electrifying play, he celebrated #SplashBros style. In celebration, he flashed the “night night” gesture, a go-to move of his injured teammate.
Green isn’t simply a scorer, though he certainly will be coming off the bench. Most importantly, he’s preparing to assume point guard duties, which should take a ton of pressure off Jimmy Butler. This change is particularly important for the Warriors. Their highest hurdle right now is learning to play without the star, who will miss at least the first four games of the playoff series.
Green promised an “equal poise” to guide the Warriors in Game 7. In his speech, he pledged to use those feelings to fuel positive action. That’s who I am. Habitual line stepper,” he said, referring to his dirty playing reputation and propensity to cross lines when called for.
In Game 6, Green completed the stat line with eight points, seven assists, five rebounds and three blocks to counterbalance four turnovers. Fried’s admission that he has room for improvement came as he looks to raise his game at this important inflection point.
“That was my worst game ever,” he said as he watched a re-play of his performance. I owe it to my team to do better.
During a team shootaround on the morning of Game 7, Green engaged in a lengthy discussion with head coach Steve Kerr. So for both players, this was a critically important conversation. Their operation was to plan how they would address the gaps left by Curry’s departure. Green later described this interaction as “one of the better conversations we’ve ever had,” emphasizing its impact on his mindset heading into the game.
As he mentally prepped for a Game 7, Green went again to his longtime solace—music. He would listen to slow jams to relax. He loved the silky cadences of 90s R& B stars such as Jodeci and H-Town, as well as today’s darlings such as SZA and Brent Faiyaz. The intoxicating musical mix relaxed his frazzled nerves. It got him ready to compete at a high level for one of the biggest games of his professional life.
During his time in the league, Green has built a reputation of being one of the league’s most dynamic players. In doing so, he’s entered rare territory in NBA history. Now, he’s the eighth player to accomplish 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in postseason play. This milestone only cements his importance as one of the biggest contributors to the Warriors dynasty.
Still, Green’s reckless playing is not without its dangers. He now faces an automatic one-game suspension. This will occur if he earns two more flagrant foul points or three more technical fouls during the course of the playoffs. This situation creates added pressure on him. As a former player, he understands the importance of building momentum and securing home field advantage during the postseason should his team make it that far.
As Game 7 arrives, all eyes will certainly be on Draymond Green. Leadership is a burden with ample weight upon his shoulders. Both fans and teammates are optimistic that he’ll step up to the challenge.
Leave a Reply