The Golden State Warriors booked their place in the Western Conference semifinals in a series victory that won the Houston Rockets.
After dropping games 5 and 6, the Golden State Warriors returned to Game 7 and concluded their victory when it was most important.
The Warriors sent the Houston Rockets 103-89 to set a tilt with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
And while Buddy Heald and Stephen Curry were outstanding players in the 4-3 series clinching victory, one former star claims Draymond Green deserves more credit.
Draymond Green’s performance marked him the first time in the series to score 16 points in double-digit points.
Green played a key defensive role while successfully stepping on the line to escape foul trouble.
NBA legend Paul Pierce praised Green’s timing and ability to influence key games in the FS1 Speak segment.
He said: “His statistics are never going to scream at you. He has that effect.
“I tell you, I saw the physicality that Draymond brought. A lot of those in the regular season would be fouls.
“I saw how he was pushing, pushing off with two hands, I was like, ‘Damn, that’s a foul.’ Draymond understands the moment.
Draymond Green was praised for setting the tone early in the game as Warriors legend Chris Marin picked him out.
Greene admitted that he had more motivated motives for the decider as he admitted he was “embarrassed” by his own performance in the previous matchup.
Speaking about the Golden State Warriors’ victory, Paul Pierce also pointed out the Houston Rockets, which will be shortened in a decisive game.
He said: “Houston didn’t match their physicality in Game 7. They came out as if they got another game after this.
“It’s on the line that Golden State comes out like they live in. That was obvious to me.”
The Rockets have a younger team, but there are also veterans like Stephen Adams, Fred Vanbeat and Dillon Brooks.
The Rockets successfully implemented their defensive game plan, but they were also shot well by the three, making it clear that manager Imeudoka has a “moral victory” that comes from their heartbreaking losses.