Warriors: Draymond’s aggression key to Green-Looney frontcourt

While Kevon Looney may have signified his return to the starting lineup with 22 rebounds in game six against the Grizzlies, there was another important aspect to the Golden State Warriors’ closeout win.

Whether it was simply the magnitude of the game, or an understanding of his role with Looney back in the lineup, Draymond Green displayed an offensive aggressiveness scarcely seen since his late-season return from a back injury.

With a non-shooter like Kevon Looney on the floor, Draymond Green’s aggression will be a vital facet of the Golden State Warriors’ offensive rhythm.

In fact, Green was the most aggressive we’ve seen him shooting the ball in years. His 14 field goal attempts in game six were the most he’s had since December 28th 2019 – that’s nearly two and a half years ago.

While he may have only made six of those shots, Green finished with an important 14 points to go with 15 rebounds and eight assists. In contrast, the Warriors star is averaging just 7.8 points and 5.9 field goal attempts throughout the postseason to date.

Looney’s presence means that not only does Green need to look for his shot more, but that fastbreak opportunities are going to be even more important. With Green’s decline in perimeter shooting, and Looney’s career inability from deep, the Warriors may find offensive production more difficult than usual in the half-court.

Take the below clip as an example of Green’s aggression, and the importance of the fastbreak. The four-time All-Star attacks the rim in transition here, and regardless of whether he actually had any intention of attempting a layup, his aggression forces Jaren Jackson Jr to help at the basket.

This leaves a wide-open Klay Thompson in the corner, who Green hits perfectly to set up the three.

The second clip below is an example of his aggression in looking for his own shot in game six.

Throughout the last few years, we’d often see Green look at an imposing interior defender, then settle for a kick out to a perimeter shooter. In this situation, he makes a concerted effort to physically create some space by bodying Jackson, allowing him space to finish the layup.

Both of these are examples of Green’s aggression in scoring himself, and also the aggression that makes the defense respect him, opening up his playmaking skills for the splash brothers and other perimeter threats.

If the Warriors are going to use Looney as a starter for the remainder of the playoffs, they need Green to replicate the same kind of aggression we saw in game six against Memphis. That is a minimum of 8-10 field goal attempts and 12-14 points per game.

Failure to do this and offensive pressure will rise on the likes of Thompson, Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole.