"It takes a real one to talk when you down 20"- Draymond Green inspired a 20 point comeback for Warriors in a massive win against the Pelicans
The Golden State Warriors struggled badly in the first half, forcing Draymond Green to desperately add physicality to their game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Behind Green’s leadership, playmaking and unique brand of basketball, the defending champs slowly rallied out of a 20-point hole to beat the Pelicans.
Here’s what the former NBA Defensive Player winner had to say about how he changed the complexion of the game:
“We started playing with some heart and intensity. The first quarter and a half, they punked us and we were down 20. It takes a real one to talk when you down 20. I was able to get my guys going. And when they started doing what they were doing, I can do what I do.”
"It take a real one to talk when you down 20" -@Money23Green https://t.co/GrLDDbRAmR
The New Orleans Pelicans started to put together another run in the second quarter when Green hit Brandon Ingram along the baseline. Both players went nose-to-nose as players from both sides tried to separate them.
Draymond Green’s foul on Ingram was later upgraded to Flagrant 1 after the referees reviewed the play. It was evident that the Warriors forward wasn’t even looking to make a play on the ball. He simply and forcibly bumped Ingram into the sidelines.
A few moments later, “Dray” would commit an offensive foul on Herbert Jones, which led to Green’s feet getting into contact with Murphy’s head. Players from both sides again had to rush to prevent the incident from escalating.
Draymond Green and Brandon Ingram were once again jawing at each other after the play.
During a post-game courtside interview, the four-time champ told TNT’s Chris Haynes about what led to the two scuffles:
“CJ [McCollum] started talking. Don’t start talking, play the game and just enjoy what y’all were doing and he started talking. That’s my type of game, I like that. That’s what I do. I grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and that’s how we play.”
Green’s ability to energize the Golden State Warriors with his physical play is part of his value to the defending champs. He did the same thing on numerous occasions to the Boston Celtics in last year’s NBA finals.
Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors desperately need to fix their turnover issues
The Golden State Warriors committed 14 of their 19 turnovers in the first half, which led to several extra possessions for the New Orleans Pelicans. Steve Kerr’s squad hardly settled into a rhythm as they kept coughing the ball up.
The Bay Area team is averaging 16.3 turnovers per game, the second-worst mark in the NBA. They’re right there with the young and inexperienced Houston Rockets, who are at the bottom of the rankings with 16.5 miscues per contest.
Warriors down 17 at halftime. 14 turnovers. Allowed New Orleans to shoot 50% and make nine 3-pointers. Stephen Curry is the only Golden State player in double figures with 17 points. Not good.
Draymond Green has called out his team throughout the season regarding this problem. Tonight, they nearly lost another one because of their error-prone ways.
In Golden State’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, they blew a five-point lead in the last 40 seconds due to two crucial turnovers. Jordan Poole and Draymond Green were guilty of those mistakes.
The Golden State Warriors (40-37) are starting to peak at the right time. They’re 4-1 in their last five games but are still only half a game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-37) for the coveted sixth seed.
Turnovers could be the biggest factor as to why they avoid the play-in tournament or earn an outright place in the postseason.
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