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3 reasons the Golden State Warriors can win the NBA Finals without Kevin Durant

By Jose Sanchez III

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a basket against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Kevin Durant (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. Draymond Green’s facilitation

While Stephen Curry is the crown jewel that dominates the Warriors offense, Draymond Green is the framework of the team. He’s the cement that keeps the structure of the team in place. Green’s facilitation stems deeper than just being an elite passer with phenomenal vision.

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It’s about how vocal he is and his overall communication with the team. He facilities through his voice on both ends of the floor. It’s like he’s a captain or a general at war communicating to his unit where to move.

Only in his case, it’s calling out screens, backside cutters, and double teams.

Doing those little things will go a long way with Kawhi Leonard’s offensive presence looming. Green just does it all for this team. It’s why he’s constantly reeling in triple-doubles like it’s nothing.

People tend to view Green as someone who just barks, but his communication with his team is flawless. It’s been even more valuable over the last few months.

dark. Next. Golden State Warriors: Top 3 storylines and NBA Finals preview/prediction

He’s really stepped up as a valiant leader for the Warriors — especially to the bench which had to step up with Durant being out. You could definitely credit Green with a portion of why the bench was looked stout in its usage. His facilitation on both ends of the floor is going to be crucial in this series.

But the matchup I personally can’t wait to see is Green on Leonard. Get your popcorn ready folks!

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