Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green shouldered the blame for the team's dismal defensive performance in their 123-98 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Friday night.
Speaking with reporters gathered at the team's practice facility, the always outspoken Green did not shy away from addressing his lack of communication on the court, Via the Athletic's Anthony Slater:
Draymond Green: "I sucked last night in guiding people on the floor. I didn't talk much. Which is who I am. I gotta be better."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 2, 2021
With the Warriors entering Friday's game against the Blazers exhibiting some momentum with a small, two-game winning streak, there had been some hope among Golden State fans that the return of Green would help stabilize the team's defensive effort.
Already without Klay Thompson, who served as their defensive anchor along the wing, the Warriors had been sliced to death in the early going, with opponents taking advantage of their limited depth at the guard position.
While rookie James Wiseman has been as good as advertised through the first two weeks of the season, the freshman big man has struggled at times with crisp rotations in the interior, a skill that usually takes time to develop.
Though the Warriors are almost certainly delighted to have had Green back on the floor for the first time this season, the forward's presence did not immediately pay dividends.
Playing in only 19 minutes as the team eased him back into the rotation, Green was 0-2 from the field but did contribute four rebounds and four assists. However, most notably, the Warriors continued to struggle on defense against Portland, with the team repeatedly falling behind the ball as the Blazers penetrated the interior.
A sign that the team was not communicating properly on switches, Green admitted he did not do an adequate job directing his teammates in traffic. For a player known for his willingness to speak his mind on just about anything, it's a problem that doesn't seem likely to repeat itself.
The Warriors and Green will once again look to get back on track against the Blazers on Sunday night.
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