After all the hoopla surrounding the Golden State Warriors' struggles to start this season, the Dubs now find themselves 4-3 and on a two-game winning streak after a dominant performance against the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors handed out 41 assists in an impressive 137-106 victory.
The return of Draymond Green has certainly helped right the ship for the Warriors on both ends of the floor, and Stephen Curry knows how important the veteran is to this team:
Steph on how good 41 assists sound: “Sounds good. I mean Draymond has obviously helped a lot to get us organized… really good effort across the board.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 5, 2021
Green himself knows the type of impact he has on the Warriors as one of their veteran leaders this season, especially with his playmaking:
Draymond on directing movement on the floor: “It’s very important. Reality is guys don’t know where to go. It’s important that I’m pointing guys in the right direction.” https://t.co/jc0OmfFxu6
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 5, 2021
Green's statistical production often doesn't stand out, especially compared to Curry, but his impact often doesn't show up in the box score. Against the Kings, Green turned in an all-around effort with five points, five rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes, plus his typical stout defense.
Article Continues BelowAs usual, Curry led the team in scoring with 30 points, including 5-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc along with nine rebounds and eight assists immediately after his 62-point career night earned him Western Conference Player of the Week honors.
The much-maligned Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins also delivered stellar efforts, with Oubre knocking down four 3-pointers after entering the game with a measly two on the season. Wiggins had 16 points and five assists.
With Draymond Green back, Stephen Curry rounding into MVP form, and some of the role players showing signs of life, the Warriors are looking more formidable after their awful start. Golden State faces a daunting task ahead, though, with back-to-back games against the mighty Los Angeles Clippers.
Green isn't sure if the Warriors are truly ready to compete with the best of the best like the Clippers just yet, but he sees the progress and is confident in the team's potential, per ESPN's Nick Friedell.