Among the learnings of this fifth Warriors title under the Californian label, a big reminder: doubting Draymond Green is never good for the ego. No matter what the Warriors bulldog announces, if he speaks, action will follow and a total mobilization of his forces will follow. Sometimes it breaks, but often it works.
There are those who announce mountains and wonders at the start of each season, putting unnecessary pressure on their shoulders. They are called the « Patrick Beverley Gang ». The end result discredits their word, and offers us the valves on a meal tray. And then there are the others, like Draymond Green, whose passion is also to speak with a rounded chest, but without ever forgetting all the responsibility that comes with it. On March 15, we wrote an article about it. Out of success on a Wizards reception, the Warriors posted a record of 47 wins for 22 losses, synonymous with a 3rd place in the Western Conference. Not necessarily the ideal position to affirm bluntly, on the national antenna, that the team will be champions at the end of the season no matter what. It’s Draymond in the text, except that three months later, his words have taken on their full meaning.
“Second place would be great, but it’s not the priority. We want to be in perfect health and not make bad decisions. So whether we are second or third in the conference… we will be champions. […] I’ve been announcing it for months. – Draymond Green, March 15, after a win over the Wizards
Draymond: « Whether we’re the No. 2 seed or No. 3 seed, we’re going to win a championship » pic.twitter.com/Tt8fPTxLhg
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 15, 2022
At that time, Draymond was making his comeback on the court after two and a half months of absence following a calf injury. Without him, the Warriors struggled to maintain their good defensive ethics. When he returned, it was quite the opposite. We saw him struggling in these 2022 Finals, but in the end, he showed himself in his best light during Game 6 with 12 points at 50% shooting including 2/5 from afar, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 interceptions and 2 blocks. Another key to this title is the Big Three’s excellent physical health. In recent seasons, everyone knows that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have worked on their handshake in the infirmary. This again echoes the words of Draymond Green earlier in the season: “We want to be in perfect health and not make bad decisions”. The self-analytical skills of Steph, Klay and Draymond have become impressive. They know precisely what is best for them, and how to proceed to achieve it. We do not rub the crystal ball but these three thieves, in several years, on a bench, under a status which is not that of player, we think about it hard.
Draymond opened it, Draymond assumed. Anecdotal remarks that magnify the story, and affix a little more respect to the name of this great gentleman, who we will inevitably regret in a few years.
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