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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO – The moment Draymond GreenChecked in to the Golden State Warriors‘ 126-112 winThe Washington WizardsOn Monday night, it might have been the most memorable birthday present. Stephen CurryCould have wished for.
It had been 2½ months since the two shared the floor — and 1,005 days since they played as a trio with Klay Thompson.
Curry called a play at the 4:47 mark, where Green was entering the game. Green was required to be the floor general. This meant that he would have to bring up the ball and direct traffic. Curry scored a Curry-wing 3-pointer to end the play.
Green said that Green threw him right into the fire. “I checked in and he called a play, where I had the ball. That was extremely helpful because it allowed me immediately to settle down.
“That’s the one thing I’ll never forget. While I might forget many things, one thing that I will not forget is how to get him the basketball.
Curry ended the night with 47 points, 16-of-25 shooting and seven 3-pointers, all made with Green on court. Curry was actually able to score 41 of his points by shooting 13-of-16 when he was playing with Green.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, said “100 percent” when Kerr was asked if there was any correlation between Curry’s performance and Green’s return.
Kerr said, “It changed immediately for Steph as soon as Draymond got there.” Draymond’s presence changes the chessboard. Steph makes everything look and feel a little different.
Over the last 10 years, Green and Curry have made their two-man team well-known. Thompson claims that Curry’s versatility to score anywhere, combined with Green’s court vision as well as passing abilities make this a formidable tandem.
Green said Curry’s “when I’m not out there, and when I’m looking,” Green added. He’s one of the best shooters we’ve ever seen. You still need to screen and find him in good places. Make sure he gets good shots.
Curry and Green were restricted to playing for 20 minutes, so Curry and Green played together only 15 minutes against Wizards. However, they made the most of their time together and posted a 169.7 offensive efficiency while playing together.
Golden State shot 69%, including 9-of-15 shots from 3, in those five minutes. Overall, they had a plus-23 points differential. The Warriors were outscored six times when Curry was absent.
Curry said, “It is just chemistry and understanding the art of creating good looks, especially when you’re coming off the balls or if he plays in the pick’and-roll.” Curry stated, “It’s not surprising that there are ten years of experience like that.”
Green shared his view.
“Everybody believes that Steph is the Draymond. Green confirmed that it was 100 percent true. “And Steph is not complete without Klay or Draymond. That is something we know. That’s why we have enjoyed a wonderful brotherhood and partnership for the past 10 years.”
Green’s individual stats didn’t stand out as he had 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists over 20 minutes. He did however finish with a plus-24 net rating, which was a record for the team.
Curry described it as a “clinic” for how to influence the game without having to take all the shots.
Curry described Green as “amazing at reading plays, regardless of whether he is the one playing or setting screens.” He is able to sacrifice his body. He has been doing it for a long time and helped Klay and I get open.
Thompson also agreed.
Green’s comments were, “Gets you open shots.” “Gets you in the rhythm for the offense. It just gets us moving.”
This is Green’s signature style. In terms of his contribution to the team’s success, he has been a bit under the radar for most people. However, the past two-months have demonstrated the extent of Green’s contribution to the team when he is not there.
His performance against the Wizards was an example for what he means when he’s available.