The Golden State Warriors have made plenty of enemies during their dominant stretch over the last decade. Most recently, the Dubs have had their spats with the up-and-coming Memphis Grizzlies.
Grizzlies starter Dillon Brooks threw some shade at Warriors star Draymond Green in a March 3 story by ESPN’s Tim Keown, who had suggested to Brooks that he and Green have very similar playstyles.
“I don’t like Draymond at all,” Brooks told Keown. “I just don’t like Golden State. I don’t like anything to do with them. Draymond talks a lot. Gets away with a lot, too. His game is cool — with Golden State — but if you put him anywhere else, you’re not going to know who Draymond is. He plays with heart, plays hard, knows the ins and outs of their defense. I guess that’s why they like him over there.”
Brooks’ Grizzlies have lost both games they’ve played against Golden State this season (including a 123-109 loss on Christmas Day), and the Warriors bounced second-seeded Memphis from last season’s Western Conference Semifinals in six games. Green and the Warriors will pay Brooks and the Grizzlies a visit on March 9.
Draymond Green Discusses Warriors’ Russell Westbrook Coverage
The former Defensive Player of the Year has been known to instigate quite a bit. On top of that, he’s a very intelligent basketball player who can turn a game without putting up big numbers.
For example, in Golden State’s March 2 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Green deliberately left guard Russell Westbrook wide open on the perimeter in favor of protecting the paint. The coverage seemingly confused the Clippers guard and also forced him to take jumpers. Westbrook wound up shooting 3-of-12, including 0-of-5 from 3-point.
After Golden State’s 115-91 win over L.A., Green discussed the strategy with the media.
“The game plan worked for us tonight,” he said, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “We got Russ to miss some shots. But, I think when you have a game plan like that, even more-so, I know everyone always judges Russ’ jump shot, but what that does to you mentally is tough. I think that it was more-so than his shot. He’s been shooting the ball well. I think he’s been shooting the three at 33-34%. But mentally, that can get tough. So I thought we did a good job of sticking with the gameplan and we were able to muddy the game up for them.”
Green further detailed the mental hurdles that Golden State’s coverage could’ve created for the former MVP.
“It might not necessarily get in his head, but it’ll make you think, for sure. Because you’re open every play,” he said. “You’re taught in basketball if you’re open then take the shot. But, if you’re open every play, you start questioning yourself.”
Draymond explains the game plan to sag off Russ and how it could’ve made him overthink
Warriors Get Return Date for Stephen Curry
By the time Green and the Warriors head to Memphis, they’ll have added star guard Stephen Curry back to their lineup.
Curry has been sidelined since February 4 with a lower leg injury.
According to TNT and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the 3-point king is aiming to return against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 5.
“Golden State star Stephen Curry (leg) intends to make his return on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers barring a setback, league sources tell NBA on TNT, Bleacher Report,” Haynes tweeted on Thursday.
Golden State star Stephen Curry (leg) intends to make his return on Sunday on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers barring a setback, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
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Grizzlies Starter Trashes Draymond Green in Hate-Filled Warriors Rant