Risky, unselfish decision spurs Golden State Warriors to win in Game 4

Prior to Sunday’s outing at Chase Center, Draymond Green hadn’t come off the bench in a playoff game for nine years. So, when news of his role was released, there was a clear element of surprise at what the Golden State Warriors were doing.

Given the strength of the defending champions’ performance in Game 3, there were obvious question marks on what direction Steve Kerr would take with Green back in the fold. Few could have expected that the 33-year-old would be the odd man out, yet it was Green himself who held responsibility in the final decision.

Draymond Green’s willingness to come off the bench was an unselfish albeit risky move, but it ultimately spurred the Golden State Warriors to a critical win in Game 4.

The move allowed Jordan Poole to remain in the starting lineup where, for one reason or another, he’s been drastically more productive than coming off the bench. The fourth-year guard had recorded 16 points in Game 3 after a disastrous Game 2 where he had just four points and was limited to less than 16 minutes.

Green’s unselfishness paid dividends early as Poole hit a couple of jumpers to grow a confidence level that remained throughout the game. The 23-year-old finished with 22 points on an efficient 8-for-15 shooting, and the Warriors needed all that offensive output as they clung on to a one-point win.

 Speaking after the game, Green was candid in the reasoning behind the joint decision to come off the bench, having held conversations with Kerr on Saturday.

"“When I watch basketball I’m studying…I saw what was working and we won (in Game 3). I’m a firm believer if something isn’t broke, you don’t fix it… I never want to reach that point in my career when I feel entitled to something. Just wanted to do what I thought was best for this team.”"

Green was aggressive as soon as he hit the floor, entering a verbal back-and-forth with De’Aaron Fox that produced a double technical. Green took 14 shots but made just three, though his versatile defense heavily impacted the final result. He also started the second-half in place of Poole, helping the Warriors to a 37-23 third-quarter that proved pivotal.

The tone was set when Stephen Curry began last year’s playoffs by coming off the bench, albeit that was after a stint with injury rather than a one-game suspension. This has been a dynastic period underpinned by unselfishness, and Green’s willingness to sacrifice is just another example of that.

Would Poole have produced the same offensive output had he come off the bench? History would say no. Time will tell what happens in Game 5 and beyond, but the retrospect on Game 4 would suggest it was ultimately a courageous and correct decision.