Golden State Warriors: Three takeaways from game one win in NBA Finals
Draymond’s defense stole the show
While the first two slides were rather negative, this is the exception. We all know Draymond Green is one of the best defensive players in the entire NBA, and certainly the most versatile. This was on full display in game one.
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Green was seemingly everywhere on the defensive end of the court, impacting shots left and right. Green finished the game with five assists and two blocks. He finished with five, but it felt like he had 10 steals in this game.
Several of these steals came on plays when a Cavaliers player was posted up on one of the Warriors’ smaller defenders and Draymond came in with an effective double team to strip the ball. This happened multiple times, especially against Kevin Love. Draymond was terrorizing anyone attempting to succeed in the post.
In a game where offenses now purposely switch defensive matchups with screens every play, it is harder for a lock down defender to make an impact. Making plays such as the ones made by green last night is what makes him stand out from the other premier defensive players in the league. Even when being switched onto George Hill or Jordan Clarkson nearly every play, Green still finds ways to impact plays.