The Warriors might be the 7th seed on paper, but if you think Draymond Green’s rolling into the Playoffs with anything less than psychopath-level intensity (the good kind), then take a seat, you must be new here. Now, the Golden State’s emotional engine already has his sights locked onto the Houston Rockets—and he ain’t just talking. He’s studying, scheming, and yes, low-key obsessing. The Rockets may have the higher seed, but Draymond’s already onto their contingency plans like he’s some billionaire with a black suit and a doomsday bunker (I mean, he is close to the first, definitely yes to second, and third… well… you never know).
And if you listen closely to the recent episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, this isn’t just about Houston. It’s about the message he’s sending to the locker room.
Draymond Green is already itching for the first film session like it’s Christmas morning and he’s 10 years old with a VHS of 1996 MJ highlights. “After the Clippers game, all I could think about was like, man, we gotta win this game because I want that first film session,” he said.
That’s playoff hunger at a molecular level—and Draymond wants everyone on the roster to feel it too. And fellow brethren, he’s bringing that same wild-eyed intensity straight into the first round of the Playoffs as the Warriors get ready to square up with the Rockets. And the Rockets?
Nov 18, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) passes the ball against LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) and center Mo Bamba (4) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oh, he sees them. Draymond knows this isn’t 2023’s science experiment where Kevin Porter Jr. was running point like it was a YMCA scrimmage. “This young team, they’ve gotten a lot better,” he admitted, giving Houston their due for leveling up from bottom-feeders to genuine problems.
But don’t confuse respect with fear. The tone in his voice? All calculations. Because while the Rockets have risen, they haven’t been where the Warriors have. They haven’t felt the heartbreak, lived the dynasties, or endured the post-Finals therapy sessions. That kind of emotional mileage? It gives you a different edge. And Draymond? He’s riding on rims.
Draymond’s Not Just Watching Film, He’s Coming for the Rockets’ Souls
In classic Draymond Green fashion, he isn’t tiptoeing around Houston’s not-so-subtle mission either. “They have made it known that their team is built to beat us,” he said, eyebrows probably raised halfway to Oakland. “Their obsession or whatever you want to call it—it is what it is. All that stuff is cool… It’s time to play.”
See, that’s the difference. Houston’s been circling this matchup like it’s their Super Bowl. Golden State? They’ve been here. They’re not putting out revenge mixtapes or bulletin board material. “We’re not running around talking about, ‘Man, we want them bad,’” Draymond said. “Nah, we want a championship bad. Another one.”
Sep 25, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) poses with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophies during Media Day at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Draymond’s clear on the stakes—this isn’t about being underdogs. He’s embracing it, but with a chip the size of a boulder. “We like to be the underdog, baby,” he grinned. “We haven’t been able to play underdog in a long time. Now it’s like, okay—let’s go.” It’s more than talk—it’s a mindset shift.
Again, the Warriors may be lower-seeded, but they’ve got higher standards (no offense, Houston)—and Draymond’s making sure the message is loud and clear. In fact, his leadership was all over the Warriors’ recent win against Memphis—8 points, 10 boards, 7 dimes, and enough defensive havoc to make you think he cloned himself! Every possession had his fingerprints on it.
So yeah, go ahead and fixate on the 7-seed if you want. But that number doesn’t mean a thing when you’ve got rings, receipts, and rage-fueled film sessions. The Warriors might be lower in the standings, but their championship DNA is loud, proud, and slightly unhinged—and Draymond’s the loudspeaker.
Just ask Jimmy Butler. Or Steph Curry. Or literally anyone who’s had to go toe-to-toe with Draymond in April. Buckle up—this one’s going to be fireworks.
The post Draymond Green Fires Warning to Warriors Teammates as True Feelings About Rockets’ Emerge appeared first on EssentiallySports.
