Friday’s game brought a familiar feeling for Draymond Green. One he hoped he never had to relive. For the first time since the dreaded 2016 NBA Finals, the Warriors are at risk of blowing a 3-1 lead, as the Rockets gained all the momentum by forcing Game 7. Now, the pressure is on the Bay Area team to save their season by winning a game in enemy territory. And Draymond will likely do everything in his power to make sure it doesn’t end the way it did nine years ago.
So, don’t expect the former DPOY to miss the crucial encounter. Draymond is not listed on the Warriors’ injury report and will suit up for tonight’s elimination game. Of course, that would be a massive boost for the team as Draymond has been their defensive anchor all year long.
During the regular season, he averaged 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Defying his age, Draymond became one of the frontrunners to win DPOY, eventually finishing third in the race with fifteen first place votes. Cleveland’s Evan Mobley took home the trophy with 35 first place votes. But Draymond’s mere mention in this category proves how dominant he still is on defense.
Even in the ongoing Rockets series, Green has made some pivotal plays, including a crucial defensive stop on Alperen Sengun in Game 4 that won Warriors the game. Sure, he has averaged only 6.6 points and three assists so far. But Draymond’s impact goes far beyond his stats. It’s the passion that he brings to the floor every night and the disruption he causes in the opponent’s offense with his intensity. Surely, the Warriors will need it tonight to gain an edge. The good news is—they are going into this game with a healthy roster, as they have a clean injury report. Now, it’s on them to keep their title dream alive.
Can Draymond Green be the unlikely hero that saves the Warriors from blowing another 3-1 lead?
Of course, all eyes will be on Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler to lead the offense tonight and get the job done. After all, they are their two most lethal weapons. Even Draymond is putting his chips on the Baby-Faced Assassin, as he said on Friday, “We look to him to do something special every night for the last 13 years I’ve been here. I don’t think it’s any different.” But while everyone’s focus will be on Steph and Jimmy, maybe Draymond will shock the Rockets with a rare offensive masterclass like he did in 2016.
Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Yes, everyone remembers the Warriors blowing a 3-1 lead in the Finals against the Cavs. However, many forget that Draymond played the best basketball of his life in Game 7. He dropped 32 points and 15 rebounds, falling only one assist shy of a historic triple-double. A couple of years ago, Green even addressed how the Warriors’ loss overshadowed his performance, “Like I had 32, 15 boards, and nine assists, and if we win that game, I’m the Finals MVP.”
While Draymond’s effort couldn’t save his team nine years ago, maybe he can do something similar tonight and get the job done this time. Surely, that would make him the unlikeliest of heroes and the man who saved the Warriors from blowing another 3-1 lead. What a story that would be! Do you agree?
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