Hall of Fame GSW legend gives Draymond Green an epic admiration.
Despite the rocky 2024-25 regular season, the Golden State Warriors are taking advantage of real possibilities in the playoffs when it matters.
It has been proven that the Warriors have eliminated the Houston Rockets despite their low seeds, despite being the first round, or seventh species.
Speaking of a dominant 103-89 victory, Buddy Heald led the charges with an astounding 33-point scoring explosion. However, Warriors legend Chris Marine assured Draymond Green would also be given flowers.
At this point in his career, Green is no longer expected to score big points. Instead, the 4X NBA champion is expected to become the defensive anchor for the Warriors.
He played the role throughout the opening round series, but Greene was a reminder to fans who could score if needed, as he donated 16 points in 40 minutes in a Game 7 victory.
Data favored the way that greens can frequently enter the paint and score, and spent an unstable shoot night from the 3rd.
With that in mind, franchise legend Chris Marin said, “In the first game of the series in the double digits, what impressed me the most was his protection at the rim, apparently much smaller than Houston.”
He added: “They don’t have a real rim protector, but he’s there, his presence is there, his influence is there, it’s really impressive what he’s doing with the rim.”
Marin also added that Green’s score had an interesting impact on the remaining warriors.
“I really felt that Draymond’s game started so everyone was relieved.”
Certainly, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Steph Curry had great games, but as mentioned earlier, Buddy Hield was the ultimate X-factor for the Warriors in Game 7.
However, Mullin believes Hield’s scoring explosion will put a target on his back in the Warriors’ second round matchup vs Minnesota Timberwolves.
“You’re talking about the ultimate X-factor. Buddy Heald in Game 6 was zero. I’m not saying he’s climbed the scouting report, but if they’re playing the game tomorrow, he’ll be on top.”
It will be interesting to see how head coach Steve Kerr uses Hailed against the Timberwolves. After all, T-Wolves have multiple talented defenders on the roster that can reduce Hield’s impact.