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Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green needs to stay out of foul trouble

By Carlos Murillo

Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Golden State Warriors’ star big man Draymond Green needs to stay out of foul trouble so they can use their best lineup in the NBA Finals.

The Golden State Warriors are 48 minutes away from winning their second championship in three years. Though the goal is in sight, they still have a colossal obstacle in front of them. As exemplified by Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not going down without a fight.

The Cavaliers came out swinging and were connecting. The Warriors couldn’t dodge the blows and they had no counterattack. They were faster and more physical than Golden State.

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The Warriors need to establish a physical presence. Winning the battle of the boards should be a priority. And, of course, defensive toughness is necessary.

This starts and ends with Draymond Green. While Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are the team’s best players, he is their heartbeat. He is their emotional leader. He sets the tone for the Warriors.

Green has played just 133 minutes through four games. He’s only averaging 33 minutes per game in the NBA Finals. That number needs to be much higher.

He wil see the floor more if he stays out of foul trouble. He’s committed 18 fouls in the series thus far. He has had trouble staying on the court.

The Warriors’ small ball lineup with Green at the center position has been magnificent. Unfortunately, it has only played 17 minutes together during the Finals. That can’t happen.

The Warriors won the 2015 NBA Finals when Steve Kerr decided to start Andre Iguodala and go small from the beginning of the game. That is the Warriors’ best lineup. They can switch nearly everything defensively and the offense has more pace and space.

Kerr hasn’t been able to go to this lineup as much as they should because Green has often found himself in early foul trouble. He needs to be physical while playing under control. He can’t put the referees in a position to blow the whistle on him.

Green is one of the smartest defenders in the entire league. And, while LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are savvy offensive players, he knows how to keep his hands back and utilize verticality. He needs to defend smarter.

If the Warriors are going to give themselves the best chance at winning a championship, they need to have their best lineup out on the floor. That means Stephen Curry-Klay Thompson-Andre Iguodala-Kevin Durant-Draymond Green need to play together. The Defensive Player of the Year finalist needs to keep himself on the floor.

If he’s not on the floor, then the Warriors will have to turn to guys like David West or extended Zaza Pachulia minutes. Golden State needs Green to win a title. The Warriors need a strong first quarter and the can’t do that if he’s sitting with two fouls.

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