Draymond explains defensive mindset in Dubs’ win vs. Hornets

Warriors

Draymond explains defensive mindset in Dubs’ win vs. Hornets

After nine seasons in the NBA, Draymond Green has established himself as a defensive playmaker. Although he doesn’t score much, he remains an integral member of the Warriors’ starting unit because of his ability to create scoring opportunities either from forcing turnovers or dishing out some heavenly assists.

That was definitely the case Friday night, as Green dropped a triple-double on 11 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high 19 assists as the Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 130-121.

Green joined NBC Sports Bay Area’s Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike after the game where he discussed how his defensive ability stems from his basketball knowledge and court sense, and how he’s incorporated it into his daily game.

“It’s all about knowing what’s coming next, being a step ahead, knowing the next move before they make the next move,” he said. “It’s all about anticipation.

“It’s where my basketball IQ comes into play, just trying to anticipate that next move.”

Green’s basketball IQ has been on full display recently. A week after a shocking double technical foul and ejection that played an instrumental role in the Warriors’ jaw-dropping loss to the Hornets last Saturday, Green has fought back with a vengeance. He has made his presence known in all three of Golden State’s wins since. 

However, for as much as the three-time NBA All-Star knows about the game, he isn’t afraid to admit he is not perfect.

“Sometimes [anticipating] gets me burned,” he laughed. “But more often that not, it usually works.”

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Obviously, the Warriors will take all they can get from Green. They’ll need him to continue his recent production trend as well. Golden State has no small feat ahead of them as they take on LeBron James and the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at Staples Center. 

Hopefully for the Warriors, Green will keep up his defensive awareness and stellar passing. They wouldn’t mind a four-game win streak, either. 

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