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For the Warriors, fending off the Grizzlies with Draymond Green won’t be easy

By Nathan Beighle

May 16, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) is helped up by guard Klay Thompson (11) and forward Draymond Green (23) with guard Stephen Curry (30) during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the Western conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) is helped up by guard Klay Thompson (11) and forward Draymond Green (23) with guard Stephen Curry (30) during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the Western conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Golden State Warriors are currently 6.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the Western Conference; however, that shouldn’t be the race that they’re most concerned about.

The Warriors should be focused on continuing to win and beating out the Memphis Grizzlies, especially since the Warriors may continue to be without four-time All-Star forward Draymond Green. Green has only played 34 games this season.

The Golden State Warriors are going to have a tough time fending off the Memphis Grizzlies for the second seed in the Western Conference.

Green has been dealing with a back injury. A key part of the Golden State’s plans to win the 2022 NBA Finals, Green hasn’t taken the court since January 9. His absence has been detrimental for the Warriors, but they’ve sustained their spot in the rankings.

They’ve lost ground though as Memphis has become one of the hottest teams in the NBA, posting a good record even when star guard Ja Morant doesn’t take the court. Morant is one of the favorites for the Most Improved Player award.

With Memphis just 2.5 games back of Golden State, the Warriors will need to keep playing at a high level, and it could be the difference in a home series in the second round of the playoffs or not.

That could ultimately determine their fate, especially given their second-best home record in the NBA. The Warriors are 26-6 at home and 17-11 on the road, so getting as many home games as possible will be extremely important.

If the Dubs can really turn it on, there is potential for them to dethrone the Suns as All-Star guard Chris Paul, who leads the NBA in assists, is out for at least the next 6 weeks. That’s unlikely though with the depth and stardom Phoenix still has.

Nonetheless, Golden State needs to keep pushing forward despite losing Green for what feels like the foreseeable future.

Green is averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, a statline rarely seen in the NBA. The Warriors are 8.8 points per 100 possessions better than their opponent with Green on the court. He’s important to what they plan to do this season.

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That said, with the 5th-toughest record remaining, Golden State must continue to keep pace in the West or fear falling in the rankings, and without Green, doing just that will be easier said than done.

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