The Golden State Warriors have certainly experienced their fair share of drama this season. Early tension between Draymond Green and Kevin Durant dominated headlines, and questions surrounding Durant's impending free agency were only heightened with his refusal to speak with the media during the middle portion of the season.
More drama awaited the Warriors in the postseason, but they have shown the kind of mettle that has made them two-time defending champions of the league. On Saturday night, they overcame a double-digit deficit for the second time in as many games against the Portland Trail Blazers, taking a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
That grit and determined leadership was on full display in Game 3. Warriors big man Jordan Bell — who, for a role player, had an incredibly tumultuous season — missed a breakaway dunk, but was immediately encouraged by Green, who told the second-year player to keep grinding:
Draymond talking to Jordan Bell is good stuff pic.twitter.com/F3AGvm3MFW
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) May 19, 2019
After having one of his least productive seasons since his rookie year, Green has shown why he is still the heart of the Warriors, playing his best basketball of the season during these playoffs while exhibiting the kind of moxie he has become renowned for throughout his career. Golden State has excelled even in Durant's absence, thanks much in part to Green's presence both on and off the floor.
Meanwhile, Bell responded well to the missed dunk and finished the game with six points, two rebounds, two assists and a block in 15 minutes. Bell has suddenly been playing a key role off the bench after his poor regular season, and Green helped him keep his head in this situation.
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