The Golden State Warriors have always relied on Draymond Green for energy, but his performance in the WCF has been something special.
Draymond Green has been credited as being the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors. For a franchise that has won three NBA Championships in the last four years, this is quite the compliment. Still, Green continues to prove why he is so important to the Warriors success.
Ever since they began their run, Green has been doing the dirty work and then some. His defensive prowess has always been key, but he consistently impresses as a playmaker and rebounder. The Warriors have needed him more than ever with Kevin Durant injured and he has shown up big time.
The regular season was a forgettable one for Green. Averaging just 7.4 points per game on 28.5 percent shooting from deep, some fans feared Draymond was hitting a decline.
Then, just as Durant fell with his injury, Green stepped up in major fashion. So far in the Western Conference Finals, Green has had his fingerprints on every aspect of the game. With averages of 16.0 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game, he is the most valuable player of the series so far.
In Game 3, facing a 17-point deficit, Green posted his ninth career postseason triple-double. Dropping in 19 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, this was already the third triple-double that Green has recorded in this year’s playoffs.
Even with outstanding numbers, it is impossible to explain how valuable Green has been to the team. There is no way to measure the energy and motivation he has injected into this team at every turn. When the Dubs needed a jolt in the back, Green was there with the electricity.
As a result, the Warriors hold a 3-0 lead and are ready to advance to the NBA Finals for the fifth consecutive year. For now, let’s enjoy the magnificence of Draymond Green.