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Draymond Green was anything but overrated in Game 1

By Steffen Pedersen

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket against the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket against the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Draymond Green was a huge factor at both ends on Sunday. The Rockets received a good taste of the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors.

The anonymous NBA player poll conducted by The Athletic (subscription required) earlier this year had point guard Steph Curry shaking his head. Sunday we all did! That poll, if you didn’t hear about it earlier in the season, had Draymond Green ranked as one of the league’s most overrated players.

Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green were voted most overrated players in the NBA this season. They each received 17 percent.

Sunday, Green proved himself when it mattered the most.

His first quarter was outstanding with eight points, four rebounds and four assists. He ended the game with a near triple-double, tallying 14 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Green also tacked on a steal and a block. He even shot with great poise and calmness. He shot 77.8% in Game 1.

And, at crucial times in the fourth period, he grabbed the offensive rebound that secured the Warriors an extra chance and prevented Houston from getting in transition with just minutes to go.

With 1:35 to go, Green got hold of Durant’s missed jump shot and the same scenario went down with only 50.8 seconds left. Once again Durant with the jumper – and a ferocious Green attacking the offensive glass and making his impact felt.

And let’s not forget how hard Green contested Harden’s final shot – after being pushed away. This no-call enraged Houston and started their complaining to the league over the officiating.

Rockets and Harden weren’t happy about the ending, but Harden threw himself heavily forward in hope of a foul – but Green wasn’t called. Afterward, the NBA confirmed that the officials made the right decision on the no-call.

Watch it here after 1:15.

In a game where Durant stole the spotlight, Draymond Green was so important – making sure that the Curry’s and Thompson’s off night wasn’t disastrous.

dark. Next. Warriors: 15 Greatest NBA playoff moments

Green will once again be a much-needed contributor in Game 2 Tuesday night.

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