The Golden State Warriors received big nights from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but it wasn't enough as they fell 116-100 to the Boston Celtics thanks to an atrocious fourth quarter and some disappointing play inside the paint.
While it was certainly refreshing to see Klay break out of his shooting slump from Games 1 and 2, there was a lack of help for the Warriors star duo, with most of the rotation struggling to get it done on both ends of the floor. There were far too many easy baskets for Boston and that came down to a lack of stout defense.
Also, Draymond Green had an absolutely forgetful game, posting a brutal statline of two points, four rebounds, and three assists in 34 minutes of action while fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
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1 Warrior most to blame for Game 3 loss
There is zero doubt Green is the player most to blame for the Warriors. He essentially didn't even show up on Wednesday night, lacking that same fire and aggression we typically see from him. The stat line says it all but he also went just 1 for 4 from the field and 0 for 2 from downtown. Draymond is rarely going to put up 15+ points in a single contest, but he typically does a good job of making his presence felt as a playmaker and a rebounder. Then, of course, his defensive brilliance. Hell, the Warriors veteran even called his own performance soft.
Maybe it didn't help that C's fans were constantly chanting “F**k you Draymond”. He was undoubtedly the most hated man in the TD Garden and the animosity towards the forward might've actually got to him. Nevertheless, Green knows that he played one of his worst games imaginable. The Dubs rely on him for his basketball IQ and defensive tenacity. They were bullied down low in this contest and that definitely comes down to Draymond's lack of presence and physicality. He could never find a rhythm in Game 3 and it evidently showed.
Looking at the stat line for a player like Green doesn't always speak the truth. His impact comes in so many different ways other than scoring and facilitating. But, it's extremely clear he was far from his best on Wednesday. Draymond is a championship-caliber player who has been on this stage for the Warriors before. He knows what it takes to succeed on the big stage and Game 3 wasn't it.
That same method from Sunday where Draymond made a point of getting under Boston's skin and living rent-free in the minds of Jaylen Brown and Grant Williams simply didn't work. Maybe it was just the loud Celtics fans. Or maybe it was just a lack of preparation. Whatever the reason, Green can't play like that again in a pivotal a Game 4. Steph and Klay might be the cold-blooded scorers, but Green is the heartbeat of this Warriors team and when he sets the tons on both ends, especially defensively, it gets the wheels rolling in the right direction right away.
The simple truth is Draymond Green has been a hard-nosed, gritty player his entire career. He had a bad Game 1 and then bounced back in Game 2. Knowing the type of professional he is, there's no question he'll figure it out on Friday and respond in a big way, even if it doesn't show in his numbers. The Warriors need him and Green will rise to the occasion.
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