-
Kendra AndrewsESPN
WASHINGTON — Draymond GreenAfter his back injury, which kept him out for 11 consecutive weeks, he was able to return to play. The Warriors hoped that he would have a key piece back to their success. He returned for the second half. Stephen CurryGreen was present when he injured his foot.
However, Green has been having trouble since his return to the lineup. Green's minus-41 plusminus in seven games has been the worst among players who have played similar minutes.
Green stated that he has never been on a team that is worse after being on the court. This was following the Warriors' 123-112 loss to the Warriors. Washington WizardsSunday. “That's kinda where we are right now.”
He didn't participate in the Warriors' last game since Green returned. He will most likely also miss the Golden State game in Memphis on Monday.
Green was a plus-20 in their latest loss to the Wizards. He finished with seven points and five rebounds as well as six assists and three steals. Green's self-criticism of Washington was harsher than Green has been to himself for a while.
He said the words, but he also spoke in a manner that was unique.
His posture was awkward and his voice flat. This contrasted starkly with his animated demeanour.
He said, “I feel terrible.” “I feel good, but I feel horrible.”
Green is able to see the context in which he feels this way even in his harsh self-review. Green doesn't know whether there's a switch that turns one's game on/off, but if so, those 11 weeks were it.
He stated, “I am conscious that I suffered a very serious injury for eleven weeks.” “Seven to eight of them, I couldn't even touch it the ball. I'm not being harsh about myself. I don't care —, I am still a competitor.”
“You have to put in the effort to be great. No matter what the circumstance, I believe and know that I can deliver great performances regardless. But I have not done that. That's my expectation of myself.
Green claimed that the game moves “a million miles per hour” for him. However, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stated that he doesn’t have the same speed, bounce, or rhythm as he usually does.
It was visible in the second-half, however.
Green said, “I don't believe we were worse with us on the floor during the second half.”
Green's energy level increased tremendously in the second half. He got all his steals during the last two quarters. Washington's fouls were three at one time. Kristaps PorzingisThe same possessions were in his hands, and he grabbed a technical just a few seconds later. This was, however, a sign of hope for the Warriors.
“I thought his competitivity in the second half of the match was fantastic. Kerr commented that Kerr enjoyed the way he mixed it up. Draymond was a major reason that we showed more life in the second half of the match than in the first.
Green is not a person who is patient. He said that he doesn’t like to use the lost time as an excuse for his poor play. He knows that Golden State is dependent on Curry to get through the last stretch of the season.
The Warriors view Green the same way they view the team overall — the Warriors want it to be perfect by the time the playoffs begin. Although some areas that Golden State must address will be addressed in the postseason, Green is optimistic that they can resolve them in a matter of weeks.
Green said, “I just have to work my way out.” Green said, “Make plays and make an impact on the game. This is why I feel so bad. My impact on the game is not as great as it should be. It was a matter of getting out of the way. It's a constant battle that I face every time I step on the court.
