Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 3 road win vs. Blazers
1. Draymond Green the catalyst for the Warriors
Draymond Green’s had an interesting and controversial 2018-19 campaign. An early season spat with Kevin Durant brought his leadership into question. He’s never been much of a scorer, but a continued drop in both points per game and 3-point percentage had some grow weary of a player soon to demand a max contract upon entering his 30s.
His true value came to light in Game 3, where he registered a triple-double of 20 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists along with four steals. Green was efficient, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line.
The 20 points he scored were his most since a meaningless early-April game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His 12 shot attempts were his highest since Game 6 versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Always one to defer to teammates, the 14 points he registered in the first half helped keep the Blazers from breaking too far ahead.
Draymond shed roughly 23 pounds prior to the start of the playoffs, and it’s clearly paid off during what he hopes to be a fifth straight run to the NBA Finals. His legs look sprier and his energy at both ends has once again played a large role in Golden State’s postseason success. With KD out, the three-time All-Star has also been empowered to step back into more of the point forward he rose to prominence in.
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With an emotional investment at times bordering on psychotic, Green’s presence will always come with its own baggage. Performances like his most recent one, however, remind the NBA world exactly what he brings to the Warriors, a specific blend no other player has that allows Golden State to play at a level no other team can match.