Draymond Green: ‘If I Play to My Level, I Think We’re Up 3-0’

During the regular season, Draymond Green emerged as a key component of a talented Warriors team.  The former Michigan State Spartan finished 2nd in voting for Most Improved Player and 2nd in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Draymond Green that we grew so accustomed to seeing has somewhat disappeared on the biggest stage of all.

Through three NBA Finals games, the Warriors are trailing 2 games to 1. And Green has yet to shoot over 31 percent from the field—he has knocked down only one three-pointer of his eight attempts.

Draymond has not hesitated to acknowledge the fact that he has to play better.

Per the Mercury News:

“If I play to my level, I think we’re up 3-0,” Draymond Green said in an exclusive interview. “But I haven’t. So we’re down 2-1. So it’s on me.”

 

All season, Green has been a difference maker for the Warriors.

 

His defense inserted into the starting lineup bolstered even a great defense from last year. His growth on offense — particularly his 3-point shooting and ability to lead the transition game — helped improved the Warriors’ offensive efficiency.

 

His toughness gave the Warriors another potent lineup for Steve Kerr. His vocal leadership has Kerr deeming him the heartbeat of the Warriors.

 

That comprehensive impact, though, hasn’t been present in this series. And Green doesn’t shy away from that fact.

 

“This is really the first time where I’m in this position as one of the key people, the focal point,” Green said. “And I’ve struggled. So it’s an adjustment. Just like anything else, it’s an adjustment. But I’m going to adjust. Every other time I’ve figured it out and I’m going to figure this out.”