Kendrick Perkins has given a verdict on Draymond Green’s performance in the Golden State Warriors’ victory in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets.
Leading by Steph Curry’s 38-point performance, The Warriors were able to perform well 104-93.
Gary Payton II and Buddy Heald also missed the bench, scoring 33 points in the evening.
The Rockets didn’t look comfortable in the game. Much of this was on the Warriors’ lockdown defense. Draymond Green was the anchor and led with two steels and three blocks.
Green was trolled by fans after being announced as an NBA Hustle Award winner.
He was also one of three finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, but missed it as Evan Mobley received the honor.
But Greene showed why he was on the list because he included the Rockets so well all night.
Speaking of Green’s excellent defensive display, Perkins said: “I thought Draymond Green was huge, by the way. He struggled, and averaged six points in the series.
“And suddenly, when they needed him the most, he put the clamp on Sengan later in the game to help the Warriors get Game 3.”
Aside from the excellent performances in Game 3, Green didn’t have the best time to contain the rocket.
Alperen Sengun had a poster dunk on the green early in the series, and managed to do well, averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds.
However, he was slowed down on the green in Game 3, which is one of the reasons the Warriors were able to win.
With the DPOY trophy missing, Green was clearly trying to prove to people why he is one of the best defenders in the league.
Jimmy Butler’s injuries are difficult to manage. He could come back, but it’s doubtful if the six-time All-Star will be the best.
If he’s not in full fitness, Green needs to start contributing more to both ends of the floor to fill the voids.
That being said, the four-time NBA champions have played in these situations before and know what they need to do to win.
The Warriors have a 2-1 lead and if Green repeats his performance from Game 3, they will win the series.