After an emotional Game 7 win for Golden State, coach Kerr explained how Draymond Green’s actions after Game 6 were instrumental to the team.
The Golden State Warriors have NBA fans believing in them again after comfortably beating the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their first-round series.
Draymond Green was once again a central figure during the matchup. The former DPOY was throwing shade at officials while picking up flagrant fouls and technicals.
Green’s antics cost the Warriors, especially in Game 6. His early flagrant foul set the tone, and the team never recovered. Draymond and Steve Kerr even accepted the fouling issues that cost them.
He was instrumental in Game 7, scoring 16 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out five assists. But it was what he did off the court that earned him praise from head coach Kerr.
The 35-year-old Green struggles to keep his cool in games, and it can be a problem. Taking accountability makes all the difference, and that’s exactly what he did.
Speaking after the game, Kerr revealed how Draymond’s actions set the tone for a Game 7 win against the Houston Rockets.
“Draymond set the tone last night, in the team meeting,” Kerr said after the game. “Basically, he owned up to losing his poise in Game 6, and I agreed with him.
“You know, I thought a flagrant foul four minutes into the game was a tone-setter, and he knew.
“So, he talked to the group last night and said, ‘I gotta be poised and I have to be better, and we’re gonna come in here tomorrow and get it done.’
“And I think his emotional stability tonight, just his poise from the start, I thought it set a good tone.”
After beating the Rockets in a hard-fought series, the Warriors’ reward will be facing Anthony Edwards and the rejuvenated Minnesota Timberwolves.
Stephen Curry will have to be at his best, while Jimmy Butler needs no extra motivation against the Wolves. But Draymond Green will be the key for Golden State.
Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle mean the Wolves will have size on their side. Green’s defense and playmaking will be what counters that mismatch.
Stuffing the stat sheet is not what Draymond does. However, if he can keep his poise and continue leading the Warriors, that could change everything in the next round.
