3 Golden State Warriors that must step up in Game 2

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Klay Thompson #11 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors react to a play during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 20, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Klay Thompson #11 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors react to a play during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 20, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors player that must step up: Draymond Green

Draymond Green was aggressive in Game 1. I’ll give him that, but he just wasn’t efficient enough. Green is typically the high-turnover, pass-first forward who initiates the offense. He did more searching for his own shot in Game 1.

Green was 2-for-12 from the field, 0-for-4 from deep, and 0-for-3 from the free-throw line, all unacceptable figures. The three missed free throws basically broke the Warriors’ back as well as he could’ve cut the lead to 6 from 8 with 3:23 left.

Also, to note how rare this type of aggression was from Green, he had just 4 games all season long in which he recorded double-digit field goal attempts. His 5 assists and 3 turnovers are a 1.6 ratio which isn’t up to his standards either.

There were many things that didn’t add up for the star forward, and his defense was even one of them. Horford put in 6 threes and Robert Williams ended the game 4-for-4 from the field. Green must be better on both ends.

The lone saving grace was his 11 rebounds, but compared to his offensive struggles, those don’t count for much. He must revert to the offensive game-changing star the Warriors are used to, or they could be in for a world of hurt in Game 2.