The Golden State Warriors pulled out a razor-thin victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, evening the series at 2-2 and making their fans incredibly happy and excited for Game 5 and beyond.
It was a hard-fought triumph for the defending champions, and it was one that started without one of their biggest stars.
Draymond Green wasn’t a starter for the Warriors on Sunday which was a radical departure for Steve Kerr’s squad.
Following the game, fellow Warrior Klay Thompson commended Green for his willingness to be a bench player for a day.
“He’s a selfless player, Draymond is a winner… That’s why he’s the champion he is,” Thompson said.
“He’s a selfless player, Draymond is a winner… That’s why he’s the champion he is.”
Klay Thompson on Draymond Green suggesting to come off the bench in Game 4. pic.twitter.com/7g8m5jEHGA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 23, 2023
Many people assumed it was Kerr who came up with the plan to take Green out of the starting lineup.
But apparently, it was Green himself who hatched the idea.
According to the New York Post, he saw how the team played in Game 3 and thought they should continue to play without him, at least to start.
“I’m a firm believer in, if something isn’t broke, you don’t fix it. Our offense was rolling and we played really good defensively [in Game 3],” Green told the Post.
When Green did get on the court, he helped out the Warriors a lot.
He scored 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the game, helping them secure their 126-125 win.
Just a few days ago, many people thought the Warriors could be facing elimination.
They were down 2-0 and they lost Green because of a suspension.
Things were not looking good for the team.
But they have shown why they have won so many championships together.
This isn’t just a physically talented crew, it is a strategic and smart one too.
Green’s insistence on coming off the bench is proof of that.
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Steve Kerr Explains Late Game Timeout Gaffe By Steph Curry
