The Golden State Warriors booked their place in the Western Conference semi-finals with a series clinching win over the Houston Rockets.
After dropping Games 5 and 6, the Golden State Warriors came roaring back in Game 7 to pull off a victory when it mattered the most.
The Warriors dispatched the Houston Rockets 103-89 to set up a tilt with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
And while Buddy Hield and Stephen Curry were the standout players in the 4-3 series clinching victory, one former star argues Draymond Green deserves more credit.
Draymond Green’s performance saw him step up with double digit points for the first time in the series, at the perfect time, scoring 16 points.
Green had a critical role defensively while managing to tread the line of staying out of foul trouble.
In a segment on FS1’s Speak, NBA legend Paul Pierce praised Green’s timing and ability to impact critical games.
He said: “His stats are never going to scream at you. He has such an effect.
“I tell you, I saw the physicality that Draymond was bringing. A lot of those in the regular season would be fouls.
“I saw the way he was pushing, two handed push offs, I was like ‘damn that’s a foul’, Draymond understands the moment. And the rest of the Golden State Warriors do too.”
Draymond Green was praised for the way he set the tone early in the game with Warriors legend Chris Mullin singling him out.
Green admitted he was ’embarrassed’ by his own performances in earlier match-ups and so had even more motivation to produce in the decider.
Speaking to the Golden State Warriors’ victory, Paul Pierce also pointed to the Houston Rockets coming up short in the decisive game.
He noted: “Houston did not match their physicality in Game 7, they coming out like they got another game after this.
“Golden State coming out like they lives is on the line. It was clear to me.”
The Rockets have a young team but also have veterans like Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
While the Rockets executed their defensive game plan well, they also shot poorly from three, leaving coach Ime Udoka to reflect on there being ‘no moral victories‘ to come from their heartbreaking loss.
