Golden State Warriors: 5 Lessons From Game 1

4. Draymond Green Is Golden State’s Second Most Important Player This Series

Klay Thompson, who usually plays well at home, shot 6-for-17 from the floor. Golden State’s bench was virtually non-existent (more on this in a bit). And Stephen Curry, who was nearly flawless all night long, had to take a few breathers at some point. Thank goodness for Draymond Green, then, who logged a game-high 42 minutes.

For those who saw his potential in Game 7 of Golden State’s first round playoff series last year, Game 1 wasn’t much of a surprise. But Green elevating his game to the tune of 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks was as fantastic to watch as his incredible finish over Anthony Davis:

Green shot 5-for-11 from the field, he helped hold Davis in check for three quarters and he finished with a game-high plus/minus of +23. Head coach Steve Kerr simply couldn’t afford to keep him off the floor.

There’s reason for concern that the Warriors might have to run him into the ground in this series, but the truth is that Green is this team’s best shot at slowing Anthony Davis down. Andrew Bogut did a good job on him as well, but Green’s versatility on both ends of the floor makes him the most important Warrior in this series outside of Steph Curry.

I mean, the guy nearly had a triple-double AND he went up against the Brow and lived to tell the tale! The legend of Draymond Green in the Bay area continues to grow.

Next: No. 3