Draymond Green admits the Celtics present certain challenges, but it’s not the same as facing LeBron James in the NBA Finals, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic. One victory away from picking up his fourth ring with the Warriors, Green reflected Wednesday on the four Finals matchups with James when he was in Cleveland.
“It doesn’t compare to mentally playing against LeBron James, who I think is arguably the smartest guy to ever play this game,” Green said. “Not one of, he is arguably the smartest guy to set foot on a basketball court. To say that it compares to that, it’s disrespectful to LeBron, and it’s a lie to you.”
Green noted that the Celtics provide matchup problems because they’re “super athletic,” but said he has been able to outthink them so far. He singled out point guard Marcus Smart and coach Ime Udoka as being especially cerebral, but again mentioned James and his ability to diagnose the game.
“Like that’s just a skill that not many people possess,” Green said. “Not many people can come and sit here and find a random stretch from seven minutes to four minutes in the second quarter and give you every play like to the T and not miss a beat. There’s not many people that can do that.”
There’s more on the Warriors:
- Golden State will lean on its experience as it tries to wrap up the series in Boston tonight, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN. The Warriors have been in this situation plenty of times before and realize the clinching game can be the hardest to win. “You just understand what the nerves are like,” Stephen Curry said. “We understand the specifics of how we need to approach the game from a physicality perspective, our game plan adjustments from Game 5 to Game 6, understanding what the building is going to feel like, that energy, being prepared for it.”
- Steve Kerr has a chance to add another championship to his legacy of success, per Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press. Kerr is already the first person to win at least at least three titles as both a player and a coach. “Just hanging around the right people,” he said as an explanation. “You hang around superstars long enough, you’re going to get some residual success falling your way.”
- Former NBA guard Tyreke Evans was among the players at a Warriors mini-camp held Wednesday, tweets JD Shaw of Hoops Rumors, who adds that Evans worked out for the team in March. Justin Tillman and Louis King also attended.
Warriors get this game over so there is no game 7. Just stay focused and let game 6 Klay do his magic.
I like Draymond, but man why say the things he says while the series is still going? His ego is to big to realize he gives ammunition to the other team with the things he says. I wish he’d just retire and be a media member since he is so focused on that career these days.
It’s upsetting to say the least…. He’s really thinking about himself and not the team, and that is a concern going forward. Everybody knows that Green is not having as goid of a Final so he’s taking a shot at Celtics instead of arespect. He can talk all he wants AFTER winning the title. :(
No time like the present!
I don’t see what ammunition he gave the Celtics. Saying he has outthought them will make them slower… He will likely trash-talk it anyway, so Tatum will confuse himself.
Feels like the Dubs will finish this off tonight. Celtics had their chances.
If you feel it, I am not gonna argue with you bro.
I put money on them I better be feeling it lol
Why not praise Celtics and give them respect?? Your ego can’t take it? Please stop being a drama queen prima donna!
if green has been “able to outthink” the Celtics why has he played like absolute trash?
I dunno.. except in the 4th qtr of gm 1 and gm 3, Horford and Williams have been non-existent. Green has a lot to do with that…
Dray’s assignments are difficult. He does not twinkle-toe around launching threes. He has adjusted to that being Poole’s space.
Too true, too true… no one has ever compared to LBJ in a hoops court & that is a fact!