5 surprises key to Golden State Warriors’ success
![Dec 23, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) gestures after shooting a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports Dec 23, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) gestures after shooting a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d6f2b580b251cd315acc97d228ab8df991314b2dae682a934254d86a7a063e23.jpg)
3) Draymond Green is looking like his old self
After two down seasons where Draymond Green admittedly was not engaged, he is back to playing like the player that captained the defense of the Warriors’ past three titles.
Likely predicting a continued decline, the expert projections did not take into account a revived version of Green that would lead the Warriors to currently have the top defense rating in the league.
This Draymond block is even more impressive when you realize he's the one who forced the pass 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2022
GSW 59, MIA 54 at halftime on @NBATV pic.twitter.com/AhBMzg9YDe
While defense has always been his bread and butter, Green has displayed an energized version of himself on offense this year, providing a threat to attack the basket that is crucial to keeping defenders honest and away from Curry.
Green’s 8 points per game is slightly better than last year, but his field goal percentage of 53.7% is miles ahead of his 44.7% rate from last year.
While currently out resting a back ailment, Green’s resurgence in 2021-22 has been a big boost to the team’s overall performance.