Golden State Warriors: Win reflects need to retain Green and Myers

The Golden State Warriors produced a vital comeback win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, overturning a 20-point second-quarter deficit to deliver a 120-109 victory in front of the adoring home crowd.

Draymond Green played a central figure throughout the night, first contributing to the Warrior issues, then aiding in bridging the gap and overrunning the weary visitors. Within all the drama that Green was involved in, and contributed to, a key moment late in the fourth-quarter that demonstrates the impact of both he and general manager Bob Myers.

Draymond Green and Bob Myers each proved on Tuesday why the Golden State Warriors need to do everything in their power to retain the key duo.

Green committed his fifth foul with just five minutes to play — a contentious charge call as he streaked down the lane and dumped the ball off to what would have been a Jonathan Kuminga dunk. Replays showed Pelicans defender Herb Jones had one foot in the restricted circle, and to compound the Warriors decision not to challenge, New Orleans immediately hit a three on the other end to cut the lead to four with still over four minutes to play.

During the subsequent timeout, Green was irate after his plea to challenge fell on deaf ears. The result was still well and truly in the balance at that point, and as is often the case, Green had been walking an emotional tightrope the whole game. Enter Myers who came down towards the bench. His brief conversation with Green seemed to promptly alter the veteran’s attitude, with the vocal leader returning to his teammates and appearing to provide some positive reinforcement.

Speaking after the game, Green labeled Myers’ words as ‘huge’, revealing what was said in a moment that cannot go understated given the context of the game and Golden State’s season.

"“Listen. Alright, you proved your point. You may have been right but if you stay that way, guys are going to follow you. If you turn it around right now and get back in the huddle, guys will follow that.”"

While Myers may have simply been trying to get Green back to the right mindset in that moment, his comments are a far greater expression in debunking what many fans, and those around the league, have thought this season.

Much has been made of Green’s leadership capability after his infamous punch on Jordan Poole during training camp. Do teammates still listen and respect the 33-year-old four-time champion? Myers’ words would suggest they do, and after it all took place, the Warriors would go on a 13-2 run to turn a potentially tricky finish into a comfortable ending.

For Myers, this is another instance of the leadership and impact he holds that goes far beyond his off-court duties. Both he and Green are in need of new contracts this offseason, and Tuesday was yet another example of the importance in the franchise retaining the key duo.