Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From 1st Round Series

3. Green’s Three-Pointer Back?

Okay, so maybe there are more than two positives to Curry’s absence. Golden State has a relatively favorable second round matchup coming (more on this in a bit) and Livingston’s revival has been great to watch, but Draymond Green rediscovering his three-point touch at the perfect time will only help the Warriors in their title quest.

After a Game 3 loss on the road made it a series again, Green responded in the best way possible, especially after Curry went down in Game 4 and he told the team’s MVP that he had his back. Green went 4-for-6 from downtown in that game for 18 points, and in the decisive Game 5 Wednesday night, he went 2-for-5 from deep for 15 points.

Green shot 7-for-18 (38.9 percent) from three-point range for the series, and in the last two games in particular, he didn’t hesitate when he caught the ball with space on the perimeter. When the good looks presented themselves, he confidently knocked them down.

That’s been an issue at times this season, with Green looking to pass too much and not being aggressive enough in looking for his shots. Remember, his halftime tirade in a game against OKC back in February came because he felt his offense was being limited.

For a guy who shot 38.8 percent from three-point range during the regular season, Green’s last two performances bumping him up to 38.9 percent for the series were a great sign. With the onus being on Green and Thompson to put the ball in the basket with Curry out, this resurgence in confidence will only help Golden State in the long run.

Next: No. 2