Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have gone to many battles together. They have shiny trophies and battle scars to prove it. This season was no different, with the two veteran stars having to carry much of the load for the Golden State Warriors with their fellow stud Klay Thompson out for the second straight year.

Last season, however, was even worse for Green. He didn't have Curry for much of the time due to various injuries. Instead, the cantankerous do-it-all forward was left to lead a bunch of unproven guys. Like a navigator without a map. The Warriors languished below the cellar, hopelessly looking for more help that wouldn't come.

Green's sorry situation isn't lost on Curry (via Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area).

“For better or worse. He was on an island.”

Curry's comment on Tuesday surely reflected Green's fate last season as the Warriors stumbled to only 15 wins, just a season after getting into the NBA Finals. It was a fall from grace if ever there was one.

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But now, Curry and Green, longtime partners, have vindication on their minds. Especially for the former Michigan State star, who has always found delight in high-stakes contests. And it couldn't get more critical than the play-in tournament, especially since they'll be going up against a familiar foe in LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

And for Stephen Curry, this is exactly what Draymond Green wants after going through a dismal campaign last year.

“I know he’s been patiently waiting an opportunity to be back on the stage that we’re used to, playing games that matter. We’re in that position now. We’re playing games with consequences.”

Somewhere out there, Warriors fans are not on an island.