Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been playing inspirational basketball throughout these 2019 playoffs, and he displayed the full repertoire with one of the best all-around games of his career in Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Green notched his third triple-double of the playoffs, posting 20 points, 13 boards, 12 dimes and four steals to lead the defending champs to a 110-99 come-from-behind win on Saturday.
Following the game, the often whiny forward discussed about his renewed focus in these 2019 playoffs:
"I realized I got to a point where I was doing more crying than playing.
Draymond on his mindset now in the #NBAPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/eFswAVHhYn
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 19, 2019
Anthony Slater of The Athletic pointed out that Green has not received a technical foul in this series. Game 1 of the Rockets series was the last time he got a tech because of his usual complaining to the officials:
Draymond Green hasn't got a technical in this series, hasn't got one for arguing with a referee since Game 1 of Rockets series: "I got to a point when I was doing more crying than playing. I'm sure it was disgusting to watch."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 19, 2019
Green currently has three technical fouls in the playoffs and is four away from getting an automatic suspension (his fourth technical was rescinded). So far, however, the Warriors' emotional leader has done a great job of keeping it at three, with the NBA Finals now just right around the corner thanks to a 3-0 series lead.
As he said, Draymond still continues to chat with the refs regarding calls he disagrees with. However, he has been very civil in his discussions, contrary to his usual screaming and complaining.
This new mindset seems to have given Green some much-needed focus as he continues to be the Warriors' defensive anchor in their bid for a third straight NBA championship.
So far in the Western Conference Finals, Green is averaging 16.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 3.0 blocks, while shooting at a 54.5 percent clip from the field.
With Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, and now possibly Andre Iguodala out of commission, the two-time defending champions will surely need Draymond Green to continue his inspiring basketball.
Editor's note: This article initially said Draymond Green had four technical fouls in the playoffs. Green actually had his fourth technical rescinded, and the article has been updated to reflect this.
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