Golden State Warrior Draymond Green has been known for making stunning calls and remarking how he wanted to annihilate or destroy the Cleveland Cavaliers. It could be a way to pump up the Warriors and then again, it could be something that could force the Cavs to bring their A-game when the 2017 NBA Finals kicks off this coming Thursday.
Such remarks would normally draw the ire of opponents, though it doesn’t seem to be the case for coach Tyronn Lue and All-Star forward Kevin Love. Both are fully aware of Green’s motives, something that dates back to last year’s NBA finals.
Costly game 5 suspension
This had to do with Green being suspended in game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals after hitting LeBron James in the groin. This suspension proved crucial and somehow swung the momentum in favor of the Cavs.
Green has done his fair share of contributing in various departments for the Warriors. With a strong and improved lineup, the streaking Warriors have become favorites to win the Larry O’Brien trophy this time around.
Bring it on
Love, often the center of controversy due to lackadaisical play, is ready for Green’s challenge. He knows the competitive fire burning inside of Green and will put that to the test on June 1, 2017, when the NBA Finals officially get underway.
Lue agrees with Love and knows that players and teams need to come out with their best.
It will not just be about Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant or even Klay Thompson. It is about which team can come out with all cylinders pumping. Green has undoubtedly proven what he can do and he doesn’t need to score to help Golden State win the NBA title. The Warriors are filled with players who can do that from the starting lineup all the way to the bench.
Hence, it comes to no surprise why he is all pumped up and oozing with confidence.
Furthermore, defense will play a major role in the series. Shutting down the shooters is something most will want to keep an eye out. Green is expected to do a great job on the defensive end of the floor since he has proven to be a pesky defender.
He is more than likely to be the one tasked to make life miserable for James or even Love.
The 2017 NBA Finals is looming to be a classic. Both teams are aware that they have to churn out a near-perfect performance. From all accounts, this series should go the distance unless something goes haywire along the way. A key thing to watch will be the bench players, who could make a big difference in the series.
