Despite a clear decline from his Defensive Player of the Year season in 2016-17, Draymond Green has put himself back on the radar as one of the most feared all-around defenders this season, doing what he does best — factoring into wins.
Green is averaging 12.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the postseason, the highest individual net rating of any starter in the postseason with a plus-19.6, according to Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports.
The Golden State Warriors driving engine hasn't been short of spectacular in seven games this postseason, whether it's starting the fastbreak or getting eye-popping stop at the defensive end. His efficiency and all-around staple wasn't any more evident than in a Game 1 cruise over the New Orleans Pelicans, tallying his first triple-double of the playoffs with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, adding three steals and two blocks for good measure.
“Draymond is going to guard everybody,” head coach Steve Kerr said, discussing Green’s impact. “He started on [Anthony] Davis, but when (Looney) came in to guard Davis, Draymond slid over to (Rajon) Rondo. You know how Draymond is. He wants to be in the fray and he wants to be in the middle of the floor. Middle of the action, I should say.”
“We're going to put him on people that are going to be in the middle of the action and probably not guys who are spotting up and shooting, so that he can make an impact.”
The Warriors are an undefeated 26-0 when Green notches a triple-double, and it's obvious why — acting as a catalyst of their greatest strength — turning defense into offense. Green's uncanny ability to go from stopping a play on one end to helping deliver a massive blow at the other has made him a talisman for a team in search of a third championship in four years.
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