Draymond Green’s familiar energy, defense help Warriors win 2022 title

June 20, 2022 World Sports

In Thursday’s title game, Green had one of his trademark stats lines, a little light on scoring but heavy everywhere else: 12 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocked shots, five turnovers and a plus-16, tops among Golden State’s starters.

Most of all, he was the hub of the Warriors’ defense, playing as usual against a young and talented Celtics team like a middle linebacker. And so it has gone with their team since the trophies started filling their shelves in 2015.

Green still inspires heated debates – Hall of Famer or glorified role player? – but his own resume boasts four rings, four All-Star appearances, one Defensive Player of the Year award, seven All-Defense selections and, of particular importance to the Warriors, the unofficial title of “Steph Curry of the defense.”

“I think what made this group really special, besides the obvious with Steph, was the defensive intensity and versatility,” coach Steve Kerr said, “and for that, Draymond is the guy to point to, the leader of it all.”